PRIME MINISTER

Children and Families Taskforce

Charles Walker: To ask the Prime Minister what progress the Children and Families Taskforce has made since its establishment.

David Cameron: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the right hon. Member for Tottenham (Mr Lammy) on Tuesday 14 June 2011, Official Report, column 696W.

Libya: Armed Conflict

Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Prime Minister from whom he has (a) requested and (b) received legal advice relating to actions which can be undertaken under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973; and if he will publish any such advice received.

David Cameron: The Attorney-General and departmental legal advisers provide advice to the Government on legal issues. A Government note on the legal basis for deployment of UK forces and military assets following adoption of UNSCR 1973 was deposited in the House Libraries on 21 March 2011. The Government do not comment on ongoing advice, nor publish it, as to do so would impinge on its ability to seek such advice.

Sir Brian Souter

Denis MacShane: To ask the Prime Minister whether the Honours and Appointments Secretariat received any communication from the Scottish National Party in support of the nomination for an award of Sir Brian Souter.

David Cameron: Confidentiality is fundamental to the integrity of the honours system. Nominations for any award are handled in complete confidence. The Honours and Appointments Secretariat in the Cabinet Office does not comment on individual cases.

CULTURE MEDIA AND SPORT

Heritage Lottery Fund

Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how many charities in Brighton, Kemptown constituency have (a) applied for and (b) received awards from the Heritage Lottery Fund in each year since its establishment.

John Penrose: Since the Heritage Lottery Fund was established 28 applications have been received from, and 20 awards made to, charities in the Brighton, Kempton constituency. A breakdown can be found in the following table:
	
		
			  Applications Awards 
			 1994-95 0 0 
			 1995-96 0 0 
			 1996-97 1 0 
			 1997-98 0 0 
			 1998-99 1 0 
			 1999-2000 0 0 
			 2000-01 1 1 
			 2001-02 2 2 
			 2002-03 1 0 
			 2003-04 5 5 
			 2004-05 2 2 
			 2005-06 3 3 
			 2006-07 3 3 
			 2007-08 1 0 
			 2008-09 5 1 
			 2009-10 3 3 
			 2010-11 0 0 
			 Total 28 20 
		
	
	The data cover the period 1 April 1994 to 31 March 2011 and relate only to awards where the applicant organisation identified itself as having charitable status. It therefore may not include all awards that benefited local community/voluntary organisations.

Heritage Lottery Fund

Anne Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how many charities in St Albans constituency have (a) applied for and (b) received funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund in each year since its establishment.

John Penrose: Since the Heritage Lottery Fund was established 15 applications have been received from, and 11 awards made to, charities in the St Albans constituency. A breakdown can be found in the following table:
	
		
			  Applications Awards 
			 1994-95 0 0 
			 1995-96 0 0 
			 1996-97 1 1 
			 1997-98 0 0 
			 1998-99 1 0 
			 1999-00 2 1 
			 2000-01 0 0 
			 2001-02 1 1 
			 2002-03 1 1 
			 2003-04 1 1 
			 2004-05 2 1 
			 2005-06 2 2 
			 2006-07 1 1 
			 2007-08 1 1 
			 2008-09 2 1 
			 2009-10 0 0 
			 2010-11 0 0 
			 Total 15 11 
		
	
	The data cover the period 1 April 1994 to 31 March 2011 and relate only to awards where the applicant organisation identified itself as having charitable status. They therefore may not include all awards that benefited local community/voluntary organisations.

Languages: EU Law

Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport when he next plans to publish a periodical report on the UK's responsibilities under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages.

David Lidington: I have been asked to reply.
	The report is due for submission to the Council of Europe (CoE) in May 2012. It will be published on the CoE website.

Libraries

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what legislation governs the provision of local library services; and if he will make a statement.

Edward Vaizey: Local authorities have the primary duty under the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964 to provide a library service which is based on local need and which addresses that need in a “comprehensive and efficient” manner.
	The Secretary of State has a duty under the same Act to superintend and promote the improvement of public library services provided by local authorities, and to secure that local authorities properly discharge their duties.
	There are no proposals to remove the duty on local authorities to provide a comprehensive and efficient public library service.

Listed Buildings

Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport whether he has considered the merits of introducing a right for property owners to appeal against decisions regarding listing buildings.

John Penrose: In England property owners and interested parties already have this right. They may seek a review of a listing decision within 28 days of the decision being made. Guidance including criteria is available on the Department's website:
	http://www.culture.gov.uk/what_we_do/historic_environment/3330.aspx

Listed Buildings

Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport whether he has assessed the merits of introducing a right for property owners to be consulted before the awarding of listed building status.

John Penrose: Property owners are already consulted before a listing decision is made, except occasionally when there is an urgent or immediate threat to the building. This Department and English Heritage regard consultation as very important in ensuring that listed building decisions are based on the best evidence available as to the building's historic and architectural interest.

Local Broadcasting: Radio

Julian Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what support he is providing for local radio stations.

Edward Vaizey: The Media Ownership (Radio and Cross Media) Order 2011, which came into force on 15 June 2011, reduces regulation on the ownership of local stations to promote a more viable sector. We also intend to examine the regulatory regime for local radio in the forthcoming Communications Review.

Members: Correspondence

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport when he plans to reply to the letter from the hon. Member for Warrington North of 18 May 2011.

John Penrose: On 7 June my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport and I wrote to all hon. Members on the sale of the Tote. This letter covered the issue raised in the hon. Member for Warrington North's letter of 18 May.

Museums and Galleries

Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what information his Department holds on the proportion of public (a) museums and (b) art galleries which are open on Sundays.

Edward Vaizey: The 21 DCMS sponsored museums and galleries have a total of 51 branches. Of these 33 out of 38, or 87% of museums and 10 out of 12, or 83% of art galleries are open on Sundays. One museum is only open seasonally during the summer.
	The Department does not keep a log of opening times for other art galleries and museums. All institutions have operational independence from central Government on matters such as opening hours.

Royal Parks

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport whether he has any plans to review the prohibition of cycling in parts of London's Royal Parks.

John Penrose: The Royal Parks provides designated areas across its estate for cycling and continues to do all it can to support considerate cycling. In providing facilities it seeks to balance the wishes of cyclists with those of pedestrians and other park users.

LEADER OF THE HOUSE

Westminster Hall Sittings

Philip Hollobone: To ask the Leader of the House what steps he plans to take to enhance the profile and status of debates in Westminster Hall.

George Young: The Government consider Westminster Hall to be an important forum in which Members of the House can hold the Government to account. In June 2010, the Government established the Backbench Business Committee to give individual Members greater access to the parliamentary agenda. Since that point, the Government no longer play any role in selecting topics for debate in Westminster Hall. It is now for the Backbench Business Committee, the Liaison Committee and individual Back-Bench Members to ensure that Westminster Hall continues to accommodate topical and well subscribed debates.

HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION

ICT

Stephen Mosley: To ask the hon. Member for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, representing the House of Commons Commission, what consideration the House of Commons Commission has given to the merits of redistributing used IT equipment to charitable organisations.

John Thurso: This matter was last considered shortly before the 2005 general election. The House received advice that accounting regulations required the recovery of the residual value of publicly-funded assets when they were disposed of. For that reason the possibility of charitable donation was not pursued and the IT equipment was resold after having any data and software removed.

Printing Machinery

Duncan Hames: To ask the hon. Member for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, representing the House of Commons Commission, what assessment the House of Commons Commission has made of the whole life value for money of arrangements for procurement of desktop printers for hon. Members' offices and the House of Commons Service.

John Thurso: Before the last election PICT was asked to select a range of printers from which Members could choose. The printers had to be capable of using the House's relatively heavy embossed paper and envelopes. The assessment included evaluation of the full-life cost of the printers. Six printers were selected, including black and white, colour and multi-function devices. Members and their staff were invited to view and test the models before a final decision was made. The printers are procured through contracts that have been subject to full EU competitive tenders, thereby ensuring their pricing is competitive. The House also uses these contracts to meet its requirements for printers for the House Service.

TREASURY

EU Economic Policy

Stephen Phillips: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent representations he has made to the European Commission on the sovereignty of EU member states in matters of taxation.

David Gauke: The UK Government engage with the European Commission on a regular basis and has consistently emphasised our commitment to upholding member states' tax sovereignty.

Income Tax: Oxfordshire

Nicola Blackwood: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people in (a) Oxfordshire and (b) Oxford West and Abingdon constituency will (i) have their income tax payments reduced and (ii) cease to pay income tax in (A) 2011-12 and (B) 2012-13.

David Gauke: The June 2010 Budget announced a £1,000 cash increase in the personal allowance for under 65s to £7,475 in 2011-12 (£820 above the previous Government's plans), with the benefits focussed on individuals on low and middle incomes through accompanying changes to the basic rate limit and national insurance upper earnings and profit limits.
	The 2011 Budget announced a £630 cash increase in the personal allowance for under 65s to £8,105 in 2012-13 (£240 above indexation), with an equivalent reduction in the basic rate limit to leave the higher rate threshold unchanged.
	As a result of these measures, the Government estimate that 22.6 million basic rate taxpayers will benefit in 2011-12, among which 830,000 of the lowest income taxpayers will be removed from tax altogether.
	In 2012-13 the Government estimate that 25 million taxpayers will benefit, among which 260,000 of the lowest income taxpayers will be removed from tax altogether.
	These estimates are based on the 2007-08 Survey of Personal Incomes, projected using economic assumptions consistent with the Office for Budget Responsibility's March 2011 economic and fiscal outlook.
	Reliable estimates are not available at county or parliamentary constituency level, due to greater uncertainties in projections for small geographical areas and small sample sizes.

Railways: East Midlands

Chris Williamson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the (a) direct and (b) indirect contribution to (i) the economy and (ii) the public finances of the rail technology industry in (A) the east midlands and (B) Derby.

Danny Alexander: HM Treasury has not made an assessment of the direct or indirect contribution to the economy or public finances of the rail technology industry in the east midlands and Derby as it does not have micro-economic data to this sectorial and regional level.
	Government policy and decisions on railway investment are the responsibility of the Department for Transport.

Revenue and Customs: Manpower

Gregg McClymont: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 10 June 2011, Official Report, column 493W, on HM Revenue and Customs: manpower, what assessment he has made of the likely effect of the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) change plan for 2011 on levels of employment at HMRC Cumbernauld.

David Gauke: HMRC's change plan has focused on projected staffing levels across its lines of business and not across individual office locations such as Cumbernauld. HMRC is confident that the staffing reductions required can be met through natural wastage and by the redeployment of people into new roles or different business streams. As always, HMRC will do everything it possibly can to avoid compulsory redundancies.

ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE

Civil Nuclear Constabulary: Manpower

Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made of the number of (a) police officers and (b) staff in the Civil Nuclear Constabulary in (i) 2010, (ii) 2011, (iii) 2012, (iv) 2013 and (v) 2014.

Charles Hendry: On 31 March 2010 the Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC) employed 832 police officers and 140 police staff—which includes firearms training instructors plus training and armoury personnel. On 31 March 2011 this was 826 and 156, respectively. Details on the roles, responsibilities and composition of CNC are contained in the Civil Nuclear Police Authority's (CNPA) annual reports and strategic plans which are available on
	http://www.cnpa.police.uk/
	Security arrangements at all civil nuclear sites are kept under constant review as part of a continuous process to ensure existing arrangements are robust and effective. There is an ongoing uplift in the operational capacity of the CNC which will see an increase in CNC police numbers by 31 March 2012. The CNC uplift is addressing the range of priorities articulated by the Government in order to meet the risks faced by the UK that were contained in the strategic defence and security review, and this is expected to lead to ongoing increases in CNC police officers beyond 2012.

Electricity

Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change 
	(1)  what steps he has taken in relation to skills, organisational capacity and supply chain barriers to investment in the new energy market;
	(2)  what plans he to discuss skills, organisational capacity and supply chain barriers to investment in the new energy market capacity with ministerial colleagues.

Charles Hendry: My colleagues and I recognise the potential benefits to the UK economy of the new energy market and the contribution that skills will make to this. My officials are working with BIS and DEFRA on a project, Skills for a Green Economy, to consider the demand for, and supply of, green skills across the economy with a view to determining the need for additional actions. The project findings are due to be published before the autumn. Alongside this, reforms to make the skills system more flexible and responsive to demand will help the skills system to react appropriately to new and changing skills needs.
	Where supply chains and skills are a barrier to particular projects, individual policy teams are taking bespoke action with input from a diverse set of stakeholders, including several other Government Departments, academia and industry, in order to mitigate and resolve these.

Electricity

Tessa Munt: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change whether his Department has issued guidance on the application of the Holford rules for overhead electricity connection and transmission schemes; and if he will make a statement.

Charles Hendry: The Government consider that the Holford rules are an important part of the framework for routeing new overhead electricity lines and taking mitigating actions. As such the rules are directly quoted in the revised draft National Policy Statement for Electricity Networks Infrastructure (EN-5). Inclusion in EN-5 means that, for planning applications, the Infrastructure Planning Commission must take them into account. The Government are currently finalising the energy National Policy Statements.

Electricity

Michael Meacher: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change if he will bring forward proposals to increase competition in the energy market by limiting the market share of any one company to not more than 10 per cent.

Charles Hendry: We have no plans to take the steps the right hon. Member mentions.
	The energy regulator Ofgem already monitors the market closely to ensure market transparency, including reporting quarterly on retail prices and requiring suppliers to publish segmental financial reports. Ofgem has recently consulted on proposals to improve the consistency of these reports.
	Ofgem has also put forward proposals to tackle barriers to effective competition (such as tariff complexity and low wholesale market liquidity). In addition Government are cutting red tape for smaller suppliers to boost competition in retail markets.

Energy: Housing

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what requirements there will be for installers who wish to participate in (a) the Green Deal and (b) the Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme to join an accreditation scheme; and if he will make a statement.

Gregory Barker: We have appointed the British Standards Institute (BSI) to develop an overarching standard by the beginning of next year which all installers will have to meet if they wish to participate in the Green Deal. This will include any relevant standards required under the RHI. We have appointed the UK Accreditation Service (UKAS) to then accredit the existing trade certification bodies to ensure their members wishing to install Green Deal measures meet this standard from April 2012.
	To be eligible for the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme, all non-domestic biomass, ground and water source heat pumps and solar thermal installations of 45 kWth capacity or less, will need to be installed by installers certified under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) scheme or equivalent schemes such as Solar Keymark for solar thermal.
	The Government believe owners of larger installations are more likely and able to obtain the necessary expertise to guide their choices to ensure high quality installations and value for money, so we will not be requiring the same standards for installations larger than 45 kWth in the RHI.
	We will introduce support for domestic installations from autumn 2012 and are currently considering what eligibility criteria should apply. No final decisions have been taken and the criteria, including whether installers will be required to have MCS certification, will be published for consultation at the end of the year.

Energy: Housing

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how many officials in his Department at each grade have responsibility for the (a) formulation and (b) implementation of policy on the Warm Homes and Energy Conservation Act 2000; what the job objectives of each such official are; what objectives they have been set for the next six months; and if he will make a statement.

Gregory Barker: The Department has three officials, supported by senior management, working specifically on the Fuel Poverty Strategy and the Warm Homes and Energy Conservation Act. A further six officials manage the delivery of the Warm Front scheme.
	In addition, other officials work on a range of policies within the Department that impact on fuel poverty, including domestic energy efficiency, Warm Home Discount and data sharing. The fuel poverty review, being carried out by Professor John Hills, is supported by a small secretariat staffed by officials.

Energy: Housing

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has made of the operation of (a) section 1 and (b) section 2 of the Warm Homes and Energy Conservation Act 2000 since August 2010; what recent representations he has received on the operation of the Act; and whether he has considered the merits of (i) amending and (ii) repealing the Act.

Gregory Barker: The Warm Homes and Energy Conservation Act 2000, defines the term and those experiencing fuel poverty.
	Professor Hills is chairing an independent Review of fuel poverty assessing fuel poverty from first principles, looking at its causes, its effects and how best to measure it. The Review will publish interim findings in the autumn and a final response in January 2012.

Fuel Poverty

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how many and what proportion of households in (a) Southend West constituency, (b) Essex and (c) England are in fuel poverty; what recent representations he has received on this issue; and if he will make a statement.

Gregory Barker: In the year 2008, the latest year for which data are available, the number of households living in fuel poverty in the Southend West constituency was estimated to be 4,500. This is equivalent to around 12% of households in Southend West.
	The respective figures for Essex were 82,000 households (12%) and 3.3 million households (16%) in England.
	The Annual Report on Fuel Poverty, including the figures for 2009, will be published on 14 July.

Nuclear Power Stations: Construction

Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the (a) training and (b) expertise of engineers to (i) design, (ii) commission and (iii) operate the range of pressurised water reactor nuclear power plants proposed for construction in the UK.

Charles Hendry: Last year the Government commissioned Cogent, the Sector Skills Council for Nuclear, to produce the ‘Next Generation: Skills for New Build Nuclear’ report looking at the impact of industry's plans to develop new build nuclear on the nuclear workforce.
	The report identified that there were some skills that were at particularly high risk of not being available to meet the needs of industry plans to deliver 16GW by 2025. These included design and manufacturing engineers.
	The report identified a series of mitigating actions to address these gaps and DECC co-ordinates the Nuclear Energy Skills Alliance (made up of the chief executives of the key skills bodies responsible for delivery) to monitor and review progress in addressing these issues.
	As part of the licensing and permitting regime for UK Nuclear sites, operators are required to demonstrate to the Regulators that only suitably qualified and experienced persons perform duties which may affect the safety of operations.

Nuclear Power Stations: Flood Control

Mark Lazarowicz: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what steps his Department is taking to ensure adequate sea defences for nuclear reactors at sea level.

Charles Hendry: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, asked the UK Chief Nuclear Inspector Dr Mike Weightman to provide a report to the Government on the implications of the unprecedented events in Japan and the lessons to be learned for the UK nuclear industry. This interim report was presented on 18 May.
	Dr Weightman's interim report gives a clear indication that the UK's current safety regime remains robust and therefore, so far as is reasonably practicable, the levels of protection currently in place, including sea defences, are appropriate compared to the level of risk to ensure safety at the UK's nuclear power plants.
	The Office of Nuclear Regulation (ONR) ensures that nuclear operators comply with the UK's robust regulatory requirements so that the risks are reduced as low as is reasonably practicable. Part of the regulatory regime establishes a licensing regime which is the most restrictive regulatory approach available other than prohibition. As part of the licensing regime licensees are required to re-view and re-assess the safety of their plants periodically and systematically. Periodic safety reviews (PSRs) which are normally carried out on a 10 yearly cycle, are normally placed in the public domain once the regulator agrees that the findings have met the safety requirements.

Peak Oil

Stephen Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what plans his Department has to address the challenges posed by peak oil.

Charles Hendry: Although we do not subscribe to a particular view on when oil production is likely to peak, we recognise that there are significant challenges for investment in future oil production and that there is a role for governments to play in working towards enhancing energy supplies and reducing demand for fossil fuels.
	On investment, we are working domestically and with international partners to reduce barriers to timely and adequate investment in the oil sector. We also work on enhancing oil price stability and ensuring that market participants have the confidence to make the necessary and timely investments by working internationally to improve transparency in the physical and financial oil markets.
	Furthermore, our climate change, energy efficiency and energy security policies will not only reduce the UK's carbon emissions, but will also reduce security risks associated with our use of fossil fuels and will help to ease our demand for oil.

Renewable Energy: Finance

Daniel Poulter: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change whether he has considered the merits of (a) reducing the level of public subsidy for onshore wind energy production and (b) increasing the level of such subsidy for other renewables.

Charles Hendry: A banding review of Renewables Obligation support for all technologies began in October last year and any change to the support levels, including for onshore wind, will be considered as part of this process. Banding reviews ensure that as market conditions and innovation within sectors change and evolve, developers continue to receive the correct level of support necessary to maintaining investment in the renewables industry.
	We will consult on the new bands this summer, with the Government response published in late autumn. Any changes in support levels will come into effect on 1 April 2013 (1 April 2014 for offshore wind).

Solar Power

Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what consideration he has given to policies to support solar photovoltaic schemes above 50 kilowatts; and if he will make a statement.

Gregory Barker: The recent fast-track review of Feed-in Tariffs (FITs) considered the level of support available to solar photovoltaic (PV) projects of more than 50 kilowatts (kW). The outcome of the review was announced on 9 June 2011 and confirmed that FITs support for solar PV of more than 50kW would be reduced from 1 August 2011. Further details on this are available at
	www.decc.gov.uk/fits
	A comprehensive review of FITs is also currently under way which is considering all aspects of the scheme.
	Solar PV projects of more than 50kW are also eligible for support under the renewables obligation (RO), and currently receive two renewable obligation certificates per megawatt hour of electricity generated. A scheduled banding review of RO support for all technologies began in October last year and any change to the support levels will be considered as part of this process. RO banding reviews ensure that as market conditions and innovation within sectors change and evolve, developers continue to receive the appropriate level of support necessary to maintaining investment in the renewables industry. Any changes in support levels will come into effect on 1 April 2013 (1 April 2014 for offshore wind).

Undergrounding Transmission Lines

Tessa Munt: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change when he expects the KEMA and Institution of Engineering and Technology report on the cost of undergrounding transmission lines to be published; and what the reasons are for the time taken to publish the report.

Charles Hendry: I expect the final analysis on the costs of undergrounding transmission lines to be published later this year. Insufficient data was provided to KEMA during the course of the study to enable them to produce a report that KEMA was satisfied with or that the Institution of Engineering and Technology, in its quality assurance role, could endorse. Further work will therefore be required to gather more data in order to produce an authoritative analysis of this complex technical topic. It has been agreed that KEMA's work on the study has concluded, and an announcement will be made once the process and time scales for this next stage of the work are established.

Wind Power: Subsidies

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what estimate his Department has made of the cost to the public purse of subsidies paid for electricity generated by wind power in the last 12 months for which figures are available; and what estimates his Department has made of the cost for each of the next 10 years.

Charles Hendry: The renewables obligation (RO) is currently the Government's main mechanism for incentivising large scale renewables deployment. Under this mechanism the subsidy awarded to wind power in 2009-10 was approximately £522 million(1).
	Since April 2010, small-scale wind generation has been eligible for subsidy under the Feed-in Tariff (FITs) scheme. Ofgem, who administers the scheme, is due to report on expenditure under the scheme later in the year.
	We are currently reviewing the level of support for all renewable technologies, and will consult on any changes to the renewables obligation (RO) bands this summer. We are also undertaking a comprehensive review of FITs, and a consultation on this is due to be published later this year.
	The recent Electricity Market Reform (EMR) consultation set out proposals for a new scheme to support all low carbon technologies. As part of this consultation we consulted on the best means to transition from the RO to the new scheme. We will include further details on the transition and assessments of the options for reform in the White Paper to be published later this year.
	DECC calculations suggest that the level of wind needed to meet the UK 2020 renewable energy target through the RO, FITs and the Climate Change Levy Exemption (estimates in 2010 prices undiscounted) imply a subsidy of over £5 billion in 2020. The Government do not set targets for individual energy generation technologies but takes a market-based approach to generation.
	(1) This figure uses the nominal value (equal to the buyout price plus recycle value) of a renewable obligation certificate (ROC) for 2009-10. The nominal value represents the maximum worth of a ROC to a generator but is not necessarily the amount paid by a supplier, which is dependent on bi-lateral negotiations between supplier and generator.

ENVIRONMENT FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

Agriculture: Sewage

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of (a) the practice of treating productive agricultural land with powdered human effluent and (b) its potential impact on human health; and if she will make a statement.

James Paice: Biosolids (also known as sewage sludge, and which can include treated human effluent) are an important means of improving soil and have been used in agriculture for many years. Current EU legislative limits on metals in sludge-treated soils are designed not only to protect human health, but crop growth and livestock health as well. In addition, the water industry and producers using sludge follow The Safe Sludge Matrix guidance developed by scientists, retailers and producers, which prevents the transfer of pathogens to food crops. It is worth noting that sludge is not used in powdered form but is applied as granules or cake.

Angling

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer of 24 May 2011, Official Report, columns 540-1W, on angling, whether the Sea Angling 2012 research project will take account of the findings of the report by Drew Associates entitled Research into the Economic Contribution of Sea Angling, commissioned by her Department in 2003.

Richard Benyon: The Sea Angling 2012 project will include a study of the economic value of recreational sea angling in England, and one of the intentions is to determine if the economic value has changed compared to the figures for the early 2000s given in the Drew report commissioned almost a decade earlier. The new economic survey will be designed using a generally similar approach to that adopted in the Drew report, so that direct comparisons can be made.

Animal Welfare

Peter Bottomley: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the principal Government web pages are that cover (a) welfare for food and farm animals, domestic pets and wildlife and (b) scientific animal research; what steps the Government takes to co-ordinate policy on animal welfare; and if she will make a statement.

James Paice: The main Government web pages that cover welfare for food and farm animals, domestic pets and wildlife, and scientific animal research are:
	Farms
	http://www.defra.gov.uk/food-farm/animals/welfare/
	http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/layer?topicld=1083732033
	http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Environmentandgreenerliving/Smallholders/index.htm
	http://www.defra.gov.uk/fawc/
	Domestic pets
	http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/pets/cruelty/
	http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity/InYourHome/AnimalsAndPets/index.htm
	Wildlife
	http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/layer?topicld=1083731993
	http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Environmentandgreenerliving/Thewiderenvironment/Protectingwildlife/DG_180360
	http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/zoos/circuses/
	Devolved Administrations
	http://wales.gov.uk/topics/environmentcountryside/ahw/animalwelfare/?lang=en
	http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/farmingrural/Agriculture/animal-welfare/AnimalWelfare
	http://www.dardni.gov.uk/index/animal-health.htm
	Scientific a nimal  r esearch
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/science-research/animal-research/
	In relation to co-ordination of policy on animal welfare, DEFRA Ministers and officials have appropriate meetings and discussions with colleagues across Government where the welfare of animals is a concern.

Circuses: Animal Welfare

Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions officials of her Department have had with officials of the European Commission on wild animals in circuses since her appointment; and on what dates.

James Paice: There has been one substantive discussion with the Commission and opportunities to keep in touch on the issue in the context of other regular meetings.

Departmental Responsibilities

Nick Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what strategic framework her Department has developed for the delivery of its core functions during the comprehensive spending review period.

Richard Benyon: I refer the right hon. Member to DEFRA's Business Plan for 2011-15, published in May 2011.

E. coli: Germany

Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether UK farmers will receive EU compensation as a result of the E. coli outbreak in Germany.

James Paice: The outbreak has had a disruptive economic impact on growers and others within the supply chain for fruit and vegetables across the EU, including our domestic industry. Because of this, the Agriculture and Fisheries Council on 7 June discussed the need for exceptional measures to address the market situation and to provide financial support for growers affected. Proposals were discussed by Ministers at Council level and considered by officials at the EU Fruit and Vegetables Management Committee, but no package has yet been agreed for implementation. Discussions will continue on 14 June.
	We are discussing with the Rural Payments Agency the implications of the proposed €210 million EU measures, and how a scheme would be implemented. We are also discussing this with the NFU and other relevant trade associations.

Fisheries

Peter Aldous: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will place in the Library a copy of the information her Department holds on (a) the individuals or bodies who hold UK fisheries quota and (b) those who hold UK quota who are not actively involved in fisheries.

Richard Benyon: Information in terms of the holdings of Fixed Quota Allocation (FQA) units by members of each UK fishermen's producer organisations is available as part of the information released each year as part of the process of allocating the overall UK quota out to various parts of the industry. The latest information available is on holdings as at 1 January 2010 used to distribute quotas for 2010, and it is available from the Marine Management Organisation's internet site at:
	http://www.marinemanagement.org.uk/fisheries/management/quotas.htm
	Similar information for the position as at 1 January 2011 is currently being finalised as part of final allocations of quotas for 2011.
	These reports do not include details of holdings by individuals. Such information would include personal data as defined in Section 1(1) of the Data Protection Act 1998 as information relating to living persons, and thus disclosure would breach the principles within the Act. In addition, the information requested is effectively details of a commercial (or personal) asset held by the owner and is thus regarded as commercially sensitive, in that if others gain knowledge of their quota ownership (or possibly lack of ownership), it may potentially affect business agreements they might enter into.
	The commercial sensitivity and personal nature of the information also prevents the provision of information on those who hold UK quota who are not actively involved in fisheries. In addition, a significant proportion of quota is held by producer organisations themselves on behalf of their members or other individuals. The actual beneficial holder of the quota is known by the producer organisation involved but this information is not routinely collected by fisheries administrations. As such it is not possible to determine to what extent these holdings may be held by those who are not actively involved in fishing.
	An exercise was carried out in 2007 to look at the details on the ownership of the quota allocation units held by producer organisations on behalf of others. This indicated that for the total holdings of FQA units in the UK, the proportion held by producer organisations (PO) themselves rather than linked to individual vessels was 18.6%. Of this, 3.1% was being held by the PO itself on behalf of its members as a collective asset, 5.5% on behalf of individual active members of the PO, 4.4% held on behalf of vessels’ agents or salesmen, 2.0% held as part of Community Quota Schemes and 3.5% on behalf of other types of owner.

National Policy Statement

Nicky Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether she has any plans to issue a draft National Policy Statement for waste management.

Richard Benyon: DEFRA intends to publish a draft National Policy Statement on hazardous waste for public consultation this summer. We have no plans to publish a more general National Policy Statement on waste management.

Ports: Morecambe

David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what restrictions apply to proposals to develop an inshore locked boating marina in Morecambe.

Richard Benyon: Following a thorough search of systems, we are unable to find any information on proposals to develop an inshore locked boating marina in Morecambe. We therefore cannot confirm what restrictions would apply to such proposals.

Radioactive Materials

Michael Meacher: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the results are of monitoring measurements carried out by or notified to the Health Protection Agency of (a) concentrations and (b) activities of (i) plutonium, (ii) uranium and (iii) other actinides (A) since 20 March 2011 and (B) between 1 January 2011 and 19 March 2011.

Richard Benyon: The Health Protection Agency (HPA) runs a small environmental radioactivity surveillance programme in the UK. The most recent published results are for 2007 and 2008 and can be found on the HPA website. The results for 2009 will be published shortly. The main objective of the HPA programme is to provide data typical of the UK against which site specific data can be compared and to provide independent evidence that can be used in support of queries about the impact of radioactivity in the environment. Some limited monitoring of plutonium levels in air is carried out but no analyses are routinely done for uranium or actinides other than plutonium. No measurement data are currently available for the period 1 January 2011 to 19 March 2011.
	The sites used by the HPA across the UK for its surveillance programme were used to monitor activity concentrations in air following the release of radioactivity to atmosphere from the Fukushima plant in Japan. The frequency of collection of air samples was increased and a very high volume air sampler at HPA's Chilton site in Oxfordshire was also deployed. The air samples collected were analysed for a wide range of radionuclides. All the results from the air samples taken from 20 March 2011 onwards have been published in the Fukushima updates on the HPA website. No other radionuclides have been measured using the very sensitive monitoring equipment which can pick up trace levels of radionuclides in air and other environmental materials. Some air filters were further analysed using radiochemical techniques for isotopes of plutonium and strontium-90. Only background levels of plutonium were found, which are consistent with levels routinely measured by HPA at Seascale in Cumbria; strontium-90 was not detected.
	The Environment Agency, Scottish Environment Protection Agency and Northern Ireland Environment Agency also deploy High Volume Air samplers at locations in Scotland, Northern Ireland, England and Wales. Results of the routine monitoring carried out using the samplers are reported in “Radioactivity in Food and the Environment” publications. During the Fukushima event, filters were collected and analysed weekly and the results sent to HPA for collation and publication on its website.

Rivers

Charles Walker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she plans to take to preserve river and stream flows in the summer of 2011; and if she will make a statement.

Richard Benyon: The Environment Agency monitors and reports river flows throughout England and Wales. Where rivers are at risk during dry weather, the Environment Agency can support their flows using augmentation schemes—it currently operates a number of such schemes. It can also protect rivers, and the wildlife they support, by restricting abstractions during a drought. Under Section 57 of the Water Resource Act 1991, it has the power to alter the right to abstract on some agricultural licences under specific predefined conditions to protect the environment. The Environment Agency manages the use of Section 57 powers carefully, taking into consideration local circumstances, along with consultation with those potentially affected.

Water Power

Charles Walker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps her Department is taking to ensure that micro-hydro schemes do not adversely affect (a) stream courses and (b) the upward and downward migration of fish.

Richard Benyon: The Environment Agency regulates the installation of hydropower schemes in England and Wales. Its Good Practice Guidelines set standards to protect the environment, including maintaining adequate stream flows and screening turbines to prevent fish from entering them. The guidelines require the inclusion or improvement of fish and eel passes where necessary.
	The Good Practice Guidelines are being reviewed by the Environment Agency. As part of that review it will be launching a public consultation in July 2011, which will be available on its website at
	www.environment-agency.gov.uk.

Water: South East England

William Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the merits of the introduction of hosepipe bans as a response to drought conditions in the south-east.

Richard Benyon: No water companies in England currently have restrictions in place. Most water companies are reporting that they have sufficient reserves of water and do not predict the need for restrictions on use this summer.
	Restrictions on non-essential uses of water due to a shortage, commonly known as hosepipe bans, enable companies to save water at an early stage. In doing so they help to defer or avoid the need for more stringent restrictions that would have a greater impact on customers, businesses and the environment.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

Afghanistan: Peace Negotiations

Bob Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether his Department has contributed (a) funding and (b) staff to the development of the Afghan High Council for Peace.

Alistair Burt: The international community provides support to the work of the High Peace Council (HPC) through the UN's Salaam Support Group and ISAF's Force Reintegration Cell. The FCO has donated £5 million to the Peace and Reintegration Fund—established to support the Afghan Peace and Reintegration Programme. Of this donation, £1 million has been used to support the HPC's budget. The FCO has not contributed staff to the HPC.

Afghanistan: Peace Negotiations

Bob Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment his Department has made of progress in tackling inter-ethnic tension in Afghanistan since 2005.

Alistair Burt: We are in close contact with the UN and the Afghan Human Rights Commission who have pressed the Government of Afghanistan to find a long-term solution to the problem of inter-ethnic tension.
	In response to annual clashes between Hazaras and Kuchis over grazing rights, UK officials met with representatives of both communities to encourage them to engage in dialogue and find a solution to this issue.
	We have not carried out a specific assessment of inter-ethnic tensions, but the UK Human Rights Report covers a range of relevant human rights concerns in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations

Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with his US counterpart on the timetable for drawing down US forces in Afghanistan.

William Hague: 1 am in regular contact with Secretary Clinton about the situation in Afghanistan. I met her most recently during her visit to the UK on 23 May 2011.

Australia: Indigenous Peoples

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assistance his Department has given for the repatriation of Australian indigenous human remains.

Edward Vaizey: I have been asked to reply.
	The repatriation of Australian indigenous human remains from UK collections is an issue for those holding the remains to consider. However, I am strongly of the view that Australian indigenous remains should be returned wherever possible. I recently met the Australian High Commissioner and representatives of the Torres Strait Islands to discuss the repatriation of human remains. I have also met representatives of several UK collections with major holdings of human remains, including the Director of the Natural History Museum to congratulate him and his museum colleagues on their decision to return 138 human remains to the Torres Strait Islands.

Bahrain: Motor Sports

Stephen Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has made representations to the FIA on proposals to stage a Formula 1 race in Bahrain in 2011.

Alistair Burt: holding answer 13 June 2011
	The decision on whether to hold the Grand Prix in Bahrain in 2011 is one entirely for the FIA. This is not a decision for HM Government and we have not made representations to the FIA regarding their decision.
	My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, observed in this House that Formula 1 had failed to account for public opinion when it announced that the Grand Prix would go ahead. This reflects the attention which the world has been paying to recent events in Bahrain. It is clear that the world is watching Bahrain, and expects further progress on political reform and on the National Dialogue recently announced by the King.

British Council

Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent estimate he has made of the number of people in (a) Brazil, (b) the Russian Federation, (c) India and (d) China who are aware of the work of the British Council in each country.

William Hague: In the financial year 2010-11, the British Council estimates the number of people made aware of its work in each of the following countries was as follows:
	China—163 million
	India—113 million
	The Russian Federation—25 million.
	They were made aware of the British Council via the following channels:
	Active involvement in programmes and services
	Digital means
	Publications and broadcast on TV and radio
	Media and press coverage of their work.
	Publication and broadcast coverage for Brazil is not currently available. The estimated total made aware of British Council work by other means in Brazil is 85 million.

Caribbean: Cultural Relations

Daniel Poulter: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his Department is taking to build closer cultural ties with states in the Caribbean.

Jeremy Browne: We have strong cultural ties with the Caribbean which this Government are committed to maintaining and developing further. We have missions in Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, St Lucia, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Cuba and Belize. We also have a British Council presence in Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. Our decision not to close any of our missions in the region during this Government reflects our commitment to a maintaining a close engagement with the Caribbean states.
	The Foreign and Commonwealth Office also provides academic scholarships for individuals in the Caribbean as part of the Chevening Scholarship programme. This programme helps the UK maintain its academic ties with the region and develop our cultural links. The 2012 Olympics will provide further opportunities to build on our cultural and sporting links. Our high commission in Kingston has already had some initial contact with the Jamaican authorities about plans for a 'Jamaica Village' in London during the 2012 Olympics. We expect these and other contacts to increase during the coming year.

Caribbean: Overseas Trade

Daniel Poulter: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his Department is taking to support trade and investment into British overseas territories in the Caribbean.

Henry Bellingham: The Government take their responsibilities towards the Overseas Territories (OT) very seriously and all Government Departments have a role to play according to their policy expertise. The importance of trade to the Overseas Territories is referred to in the Government's Trade and Investment White Paper published in February this year.
	Trade promotion and investment is one of the areas of responsibility devolved to the Overseas Territories. OT Governors do not promote UK exports because of their constitutional role as Head of the OT Government. However, they and the FCO work with elected Territory Governments to encourage good governance and financial industry regulation in order to make them more attractive for inward investors.

Egypt: Politics and Government

Kwasi Kwarteng: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to support the parliamentary election process in Egypt.

Alistair Burt: There has been sustained high-level British Government engagement in support of the democratic transition process in Egypt, including visits from the Prime Minister, the Foreign Secretary and myself. Our embassy has on-going discussions with the Egyptian Government about the process.
	The UK has committed £1.2 million bilaterally under the Arab Partnership to support the political transition through a range of programmes, including to strengthen political participation and the public voice. In this context, we have organised a series of seminars in Egypt targeting young political activists and a number of visits to the UK, including for officials from the Ministry of Interior to observe the UK 5 May referendum; for a delegation of senior judges and the head of the Judicial Committee for Political Parties; and for prominent revolutionary activists planning to establish their own political parties.
	The EU has offered a package of short-term assistance, which includes support for elections and civil society and political capacity building. EU direct assistance requires a formal Government request which has not yet been received. But the European Action Service is working up measures to support civil society.

Israel: OECD

Andy Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 1 December 2010, Official Report, column 830W, on Israel: OECD, on what dates the OECD study team quantifying the effects on Israeli macroeconomic statistics of the inclusion of the Golan Heights, East Jerusalem and Israeli settlements in the West Bank has met in 2011; what input the UK representative has provided to the team; and what sources of economic data independent of the Israeli Government have been used.

Alistair Burt: The OECD Study Team comprises national experts from Australia, Norway and the UK, together with OECD officials in Paris, and has been holding regular conference calls on the review since December 2010. A fact-finding visit was made to Israel by OECD officials in January 2011 and the Study Team has recently visited Israel to discuss its findings with the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS). The Study Team will be reporting to OECD's Committee on Statistics later in June. The UK representative has played a full and active part in the review process, advising on issues arising and contributing to production of the final report. The Study Team has utilised data provided by the CBS for the review: it would not have been practicable to draw on extraneous data.

Middle East: Peace Negotiations

Andrew Percy: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 
	(1)  what assessment he has made of the implications of the Hamas Charter for the Middle East peace process;
	(2)  what steps he (a) has taken and (b) plans to take to press Hamas to accept the Quartet principles and to participate in the Middle East peace process; and if he will make a statement;
	(3)  what steps he is taking to press Hamas to renounce violence, recognise the state of Israel and accept previous diplomatic agreements.

Alistair Burt: As I have consistently made clear, most recently to the House on 9 June, Hamas Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades remains a proscribed terrorist organisation in the UK and the whole of Hamas is listed on the EU's Asset Freeze Regime. Hamas must abandon violence and commit to a two state solution, and we call again for the immediate release of Gilad Shalit.
	As Hamas seeks to agree with President Abbas the composition of an interim Palestinian Authority I have also made it clear that the UK will judge a future Palestinian Government by its actions and its readiness to work for peace. The new Palestinian Authority should be composed of independent figures on the basis that President Abbas set out on 4 May. As was the case with the outgoing Authority, it should uphold the principle of non-violence, be committed to a negotiated two-state solution, and accept previous agreements of the PLO.

Sri Lanka: Politics and Government

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the outcome was of the Government's recent discussions with the government of the Russian Federation on the position of Tamils in Sri Lanka.

David Lidington: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs has not held such discussions with Foreign Minister Lavrov nor have there been any recent discussions with the Government of the Russia Federation on the position of the Tamils in Sri Lanka. Ministers and officials regularly engage with the Government of Sri Lanka and international partners about supporting reconciliation between Sri Lanka's communities.

Sri Lanka: Politics and Government

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has received on negotiations between the Sri Lankan Government and the Tamil National Alliance; and if he will make a statement.

Alistair Burt: holding answer 15 June 2011
	The UK supports the dialogue between the Sri Lankan Government and Tamil National Alliance (TNA) and we have encouraged both sides to engage constructively. During my visit to Sri Lanka in February, I met members of the TNA and discussed progress with them and separately with the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister. The most recent talks were held on 12 May and we understand a further round of talks will take place on 23 June.

Sudan: Armed Conflict

Mark Lazarowicz: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received of (a) shooting by forces aligned to Sudanese armed forces in Kadui, (b) northward movements of Sudan People's Liberation Army soldiers, (c) flights of Antonov planes over Kadulli and (d) other violent incidents in South Kordofan.

Henry Bellingham: We are very concerned at the latest reports of violence in South Kordofan, which include continued fighting in Kadugli and aerial bombardments in several locations across the state. The British embassy in Khartoum and the consulate general in Juba remain in daily contact with their UN colleagues to ensure they are kept abreast of the most up to date reports. We have seen unconfirmed reports of the Sudan People's Liberation Army moving north. These reports are very worrying, and we urge both parties to de-escalate the situation and return to the negotiating table.

Uganda: Human Rights

Stephen Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations his Department has made to the Government of Uganda on alleged human rights abuses by Ugandan security forces.

Henry Bellingham: I refer the hon. Member to the answer my hon. Friend the Member for North East Bedfordshire (Alistair Burt) gave to the hon. Member for Glasgow Central (Anas Sarwar) on 24 May 2011, Official Report, column 588W.

TRANSPORT

British Transport Police: Manpower

Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the number of (a) police officers and (b) staff in the British Transport Police in (i) 2010, (ii) 2011, (iii) 2012, (iv) 2013 and (v) 2014.

Theresa Villiers: Responsibility for setting staff numbers and budgets for the British Transport police rests with the British Transport police authority.
	The figures for 2009-10 to 2011-12 are shown as follows.
	
		
			 BTP—staff numbers 
			  2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 
			 Police officers 2,901 2,896 2,834 
			 PCSOs 340 316 328 
			 Police staff 1,431 1,417 1,440 
			 Total 4,672 4,629 4,602 
		
	
	The headcount figures beyond that date are not known as the budgets have not yet been agreed.

Community Budgets

Graham Stringer: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has had with Ministerial colleagues about Government plans for community budgets; and if he will make a statement.

Norman Baker: holding answer 15 June 2011
	No specific discussions have been held with ministerial colleagues about the proposals for community budgets and their relationship with transport policy.

Railways: Theft

Brian Binley: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the effect of cable theft on the number of train delay minutes on the railway network in (a) each of the last five years and (b) the latest period for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement.

Norman Baker: My Department has not made such an assessment as this is in the first instance a matter for Network Rail the infrastructure owner. However I recognise that cable theft can affect the smooth operation of the railway and am presently discussing the issue with relevant parties. The hon. Member may wish to contact Network Rail's chief executive at the following address for further information:
	David Higgins
	Chief Executive
	Network Rail
	Kings Place
	90 York Way
	London, N1 9AG

HEALTH

Care Quality Commission

Michael Meacher: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will establish a public inquiry into the operation of the Care Quality Commission including the adequacy of its resources for the functions it is required to undertake and the role of its chief executive following recent incidents in Mid-Staffordshire Hospital and Winterbourne View Care Home.

Simon Burns: A number of inquiries are under way following the abuse exposed at Winterbourne View. The Government are clear that any failings in care are unacceptable. These inquiries include both an independently-chaired Serious Case Review led by South Gloucestershire council which will examine all the agencies involved and reviews by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the national health service and the safeguarding boards.
	The Department, assisted by Mark Goldring, chief executive of Mencap, will then draw together the key lessons from these reviews. Once we have all the facts and have examined the results of the various inquiries, we will report further to Parliament.
	The CQC has a budget settlement for 2011-12 that has been agreed with the Department. The CQC's financial position is kept under constant review during the year.
	The CQC itself is responsible for appointing the chief executive and setting the chief executive's performance objectives.

E. coli

Thomas Docherty: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will discuss with the British Retail Consortium and its members measures to ensure that the UK horticulture industry is not undercut by the export to the UK of cheap surplus stocks from (a) Spain and (b) other EU member states arising from the recent E. coli outbreak in Germany.

James Paice: holding answer 13 June 2011
	I have been asked to reply.
	We regularly keep in touch with industry organisations who have valuable insight into the current market and supply chain.
	The E. coli outbreak has had a disruptive economic impact on growers and others within the supply chain for fruit and vegetables across the EU, including our domestic industry.
	At retail level, prices for domestically produced salad (lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet peppers and courgettes) have remained relatively stable, although demand continues to decline. As a result more produce is being sent to the wholesale market, which is experiencing consequential price movements. Surplus EU produce has been directed to alternative EU markets, including our own, with similar consequences for prices, although I understand that prices for English produce are faring better than those for imported produce. But the situation continues to develop and the latest indications from our trade organisations are that the market continues to remain depressed, which is not helped by retail demand for salad crops in particular being sensitive to the weather.
	However, the welcome news that the Russian Federation has lifted its ban on imports of fruit and vegetables from the European Union is an important development, which should start to alleviate the pressure on volumes and prices being experienced on the domestic market.

General Practitioners: Rural Areas

Chris Heaton-Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health for what reason a GP in a rural area may not dispense drugs for patients resident within a mile of the GP practice.

Simon Burns: Under the NHS (Pharmaceutical Services) Regulations 2005, if a pharmacy opens in a rural area, or if an area is no longer considered rural, general practitioners (GPs) are required to reduce their dispensing unless the area is designated as a “reserved location” (where both the pharmacy and the doctors can dispense). Specifically, doctors can no longer dispense to patients who live within 1.6 kilometres of the new pharmacy or who live in a non-rural area. This change can take effect immediately, but can also be phased in if the primary care trust considers that would benefit patients more (“gradualisation”).
	Without these rules, it would rarely be viable for new pharmacies to open in rural areas. That would deprive people living in rural areas of the opportunity to benefit from the more comprehensive health service that a combination of a GP practice and a pharmacy offers.

Genetically Modified Organisms

Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent assessment he has made of the potential health risk to humans of genetically-modified crops and animal feed.

Anne Milton: All genetically-modified (GM) foods to be marketed in the European Union, as well as animal feed, are subject to a mandatory pre-market safety assessment under the GM food and feed Regulation (EC) No.1829/2003 before they can be permitted to enter the food chain. This safety assessment is carried out on a case by case basis and is the responsibility of the European Food Safety Authority.
	The safety evaluation of GM food and feed is based on a rigorous scrutiny of scientific data. No GM product would be authorised if, after it was evaluated, it was considered unsafe. GM products that are authorised in the EU have been examined under these procedures, have been judged to be as safe as their non-GM counterparts and pose no additional risk to the consumer.

Health and Social Care Bill 2010-11

Grahame Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he plans to set out to the NHS the likely effect on the NHS of any amendments to the Health and Social Care Bill proposed by the Government.

Simon Burns: This week, we set out our response to the NHS Future Forum report. We are taking people with us and we will carry on listening and working together for the good of the national health service.
	We will bring forward more detailed proposals on how we will implement these changes, including amendments to the Health and Social Care Bill, shortly.

Health and Social Care Bill 2010-11

Grahame Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 23 May 2011, Official Report, column 430W, on the Health and Social Care Bill, whether he now plans to re-commit the Health and Social Care Bill to a Public Bill Committee.

Simon Burns: As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health, announced in his oral statement, on 14 June 2011, Official Report, columns 644-47, the Government will ask the House to recommit the relevant parts of the Health and Social Care Bill to a Public Bill Committee shortly.

Health: Housing

Grahame Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government on the health effects of poor housing standards.

Anne Milton: Officials in the Department have discussed the health effects of poor housing standards, in particular the annual published Heatwave Plan and draft Cold Weather Plan, with officials in the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Infant Mortality: Research

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what proportion of the funding allocated by his Department for health research was allocated to research on (a) maternal and (b) foetal health in each of the last five years; [Official Report, 6 July 2011, Vol. 530, c. 15MC.]
	(2)  what proportion of the funding allocated by his Department for (a) maternal and (b) foetal health research was allocated to research into stillbirth prevention;
	(3)  how much his Department has spent on research into (a) the causes and prevention of stillbirth, (b) sudden infant death syndrome and (c) preventing neonatal deaths in the last 10 years for which figures are available.

Simon Burns: The Department funds research through both the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and the Policy Research Programme (PRP).
	Estimated spend by the NIHR and PRP relating to maternal and foetal health is as follows.
	
		
			  Estimated spend on maternal and foetal health research (£ million) Estimated spend on maternal and foetal health research as a proportion of total NIHR revenue and PRP spend (percentage) 
			 2006-07 4.4 0.6 
			 2007-08 4.7 0.6 
			 2008-09 9.0 1.1 
			 2009-10 10.9 1.2 
			 2010-11 12.7 1.3 
		
	
	The Department does not hold specific figures for the proportion of funding allocated to research into stillbirth prevention, preventing neonatal deaths or sudden infant death syndrome.
	The Government fund a range of research of relevance to maternal and foetal health, including stillbirth and sudden infant death syndrome.
	For example, the Department's Policy Research Programme has funded a Policy Research Unit in Maternal Health and Care at the National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit (NPEU), University of Oxford. Research themes include pregnancy loss, perinatal morbidity, maternal morbidity and maternal mortality.
	The Department also funds research relevant to stillbirth. For example, through an NIHR Programme Grant for Applied Research, the Department is funding a study entitled “Improving Pregnancy Outcomes in Obese Women”. Running from 2008 to 2012, this study aims to develop an individually tailored “life style” programme for obese women.
	Furthermore, the NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre has an ongoing programme of research on women's health. A major focus of this research is understanding the determinants of stillbirth risk and using this understanding to improve clinical care of pregnant women.
	In addition, the Government currently fund the Centre for Maternal and Child Enquiries (CMACE), which publishes an annual report into perinatal mortality. CMACE monitors changes in perinatal mortality rates, and identifies causes and risk factors. In addition to providing a national overview, CMACE also provides localised information to enable maternity units to review and monitor their own rates so that action can be taken to improve services.

Medical Treatments: Innovation

Daniel Poulter: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the means by which the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence takes account of innovation in its health technology assessments.

Simon Burns: As an independent body, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) is responsible for the development of its technology appraisal methods and processes which are periodically reviewed and consulted upon.
	In January 2009, NICE commissioned Professor Sir Ian Kennedy to conduct an independent study into how NICE appraised the value of innovation. NICE published its response to Professor Kennedy's recommendations in June 2010 and further information is available at:
	www.nice.org.uk/aboutnice/howwework/researchanddevelopment/KennedyStudyNICEResponse.jsp

NHS: Private Sector

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients chose to use a private provider for an NHS funded procedure in each year from 1997 to 2010; and at what cost to the public purse in each such year.

Simon Burns: The figures in Table 1 provide a count of finished consultant episodes (FCEs) where a main operative procedure or intervention was performed at independent sector providers. These include patients who may have elected or been referred to these centres between 2000-01 and 2009-10. The Department does not collect information on a patient's choice of provider. A decision on the choice of provider should be part of the patient-referrer discussion.
	
		
			 Table 1: FCEs with an operative procedure   c  arried out by independent sector providers 
			  Number 
			 2000-01 11 
			 2001-02 11 
			 2002-03 438 
			 2003-04 4,936 
			 2004-05 13,109 
			 2005-06 16,051 
			 2006-07 61,125 
			 2007-08 87,027 
		
	
	
		
			 2008-09 159,249 
			 2009-10 208,693 
			 Note:Data qualityHospital Episode Statistics (HES) are compiled from data sent by more than 300 national health service trusts and PCTs in England and from some independent sector organisations for activity commissioned by the English NHS. The NHS Information Centre for health and social care liaises closely with these organisations to encourage submission of complete and valid data and seeks to minimise inaccuracies. While this brings about improvement over time, some shortcomings remain.  Source:  Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), The NHS Information Centre for health and social care. 
		
	
	The expenditure in Table 2 relates to the total health care spend in independent sector treatment sectors and other private sector providers and covers a range of services and treatments. Data were not collected on expenditure between different sector providers (including voluntary and local authority) prior to 2006-07.
	
		
			 Table 2: Expenditure by primary care trusts (PCTs)  on the purchase of health care from non-NHS bodies 2006-07 to 2009-10 
			  2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 
			  £ million % £ million % £ million % £ million % 
			 Spend with         
			 Independent sector treatment centres 200 0.3 314 0.4 352 0.4 373 0.4 
			 Other private sector providers 1,992 2.5 2,602 3.0 3,066 3.4 3,766 3.9 
			 Total 2,192 2.8 7,916 3.4 3,418 3.8 4,139 4.3 
			 Source:  Audited PCT summarisation schedules 2006-07 to 2009-10.

NHS: Reorganisation

Julian Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many responses the NHS Future Forum received from (a) Skipton and Ripon constituency, (b) North Yorkshire and (c) Yorkshire and the Humber.

Simon Burns: As part of the NHS Listening Exercise, the Government received over 25,000 emails to the NHS Future Forum inbox, and over 600 completed questionnaires.
	The information that is held does not allow us to determine where in the country all of the 25,000 emails were from. Our records show that 10 of the emails at least were from the Yorkshire and the Humber region.
	Of the 600 questionnaires received, 26 were from the Yorkshire and the Humber region, although many people who responded did not provide information about their location.
	We do not have any record of responses being received from Skipton and Ripon, nor North Yorkshire specifically.

NHS: Standards

Owen Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  when he plans to (a) consult on the 2012-13 NHS Outcomes Framework and (b) publish the 2012-13 NHS Outcomes Framework;
	(2)  when he plans to publish the levels of ambition for the 2012-13 NHS Outcomes Framework.

Simon Burns: The “NHS Outcomes Framework 2011/12” was published in December 2010 and signals the direction of travel for the national health service in focusing on outcomes. The first NHS Outcomes Framework made clear our commitment to update the NHS Outcomes Framework annually, to ensure it can accommodate new and better indicators as they become available. In order to measure progress against the outcomes the NHS will be aiming to deliver, it will be important to maintain continuity of the indicators included in the framework. For this reason, we envisage that only a small number of indicators will change or be refined in any one year. We currently have no plans to consult on the 2012-13 NHS Outcomes Framework.
	Chapter 4 of the “NHS Outcomes Framework 2011/12” provides a summary of the milestones in relation to development of the framework, which are subject to the parliamentary process. The key milestones are currently being reviewed in light of the recent pause in the passage of the Health and Social Care Bill.

NHS: Surveys

Roger Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent North, of 30 March 2011, Official Report, column 401W, on NHS: surveys, whether he has received the final report from Ipsos MORI for the survey conducted during November-December 2010.

Simon Burns: The report from Ipsos MORI for the survey conducted during November-December 2010 has been received and is now on the Department's website at:
	www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/PublishedSurvey/ListOfSurveySince1990/Generalsurveys/DH_4129933

Respite Care: Tyne and Wear

Julie Elliott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much funding his Department allocated to South of Tyne and Wear primary care trusts for breaks for people who care for disabled family members in the latest period for which figures are available.

Paul Burstow: The Department is making an additional £400 million available in primary care trust (PCT) baselines for carers' breaks between 2011-15. The Department does not hold information on individual PCT allocations.
	It is for PCTs to commission services to meet the health care needs of their local populations, taking account of local and national priorities. There is not a weighted capitation formula specific to ‘care’ that would allow needs to be accurately identified at the local level. For these reasons, PCTs have not been advised of individual sums for breaks.
	The “2011-12 NHS Operating Framework”, published on 15 December, makes it clear that:
	“PCTs should pool budgets with local authorities to provide carers' breaks, as far as possible, via direct payments or personal health budgets. For 2011-12, PCTs should agree policies, plans and budgets to support carers with local authorities and local carers' organisations, and make them available to local people.”
	A copy of the Framework has already been placed in the Library.

Smoking

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 16 May 2011, Official Report, column 71W, on smoking, what research his Department has evaluated on the contribution of the (a) display and (b) packaging of tobacco products to smoking initiation.

Anne Milton: The Department keeps research in the area of tobacco control under review. The Impact Assessment for the Health Act 2009 sets out a range of the evidence relating to the effect of the display of tobacco products on smoking rates and behaviours. The Department will undertake a consultation on options to reduce the promotional impact of tobacco packaging, including plain packaging, before the end of 2011. As part of this consultation, respondents will be asked to bring evidence relating to the impact of tobacco packaging on smoking to the Department's attention.

Transplant Surgery

Michael Meacher: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he plans to implement his proposed ban on private transplants using organs from NHS donors.

Anne Milton: The recommended ban is included as part of our considerations of the wider implications for transplant allocation policy of the rights of European Union nationals and of the role and impact of private practice. This process is complex and ongoing. Following careful consideration of all the issues, we will make any necessary changes and publish guidance for the transplant sector.

WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what provision the World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control makes for meetings between Government Ministers and representatives of tobacco companies; and if he will make a statement.

Anne Milton: The World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) does not specifically address the question of meetings between Government Ministers and representatives of tobacco companies.
	The FCTC places obligations on parties to protect the development of public health policy from the vested interests of the tobacco industry. We have made our commitment to this very clear in Chapter 10 of “Healthy Lives, Healthy People: a Tobacco Control Plan for England”.
	A copy of the plan has already been placed in the Library.

JUSTICE

Coroners

Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what mechanisms his Department has put in place to monitor the performance of local coroners.

Jonathan Djanogly: The Ministry of Justice collects annual statistics on the workload of coroners under section 28 of the Coroner Act 1988. The information collected includes the number of deaths reported to each coroner in each year, post-mortem examinations and inquests held, verdicts returned at inquests, the time taken to conclude inquests, and finds reported under the Treasure Act 1996. The latest set of statistics collected relate to 2010 and were published in May 2011 on the Ministry of Justice website at
	http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/statistics-and-data/coroners-and-burials/deaths.htm
	The Ministry also publishes quarterly written ministerial statements with details of the inquests of service personnel who have died in operations and exercises overseas, the latest of which can be found on the Parliament website at
	http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmhansrd/cm110512/wmstext/110512m0001.htm
	and twice yearly summaries of reports issued by coroners and responses received under Rule 43 of the Coroners Rules 1984 (as amended), the latest of which can be found on the Ministry's website at
	http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/policy/moj/summary-of-reports-and-responses-under-rule-43-of-the-coroners-rules/index.htm

Criminal Proceedings

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 
	(1)  how many people pleaded guilty before their case reached trial in (a) 2009 and (b) 2010;
	(2)  how many people received a 33 per cent. sentence discount for an early guilty plea in (a) 2009 and (b) 2010.

Crispin Blunt: In 2009 and 2010, the number of defendants dealt with in the Crown court who entered a guilty plea before their case reached trial was 71,442 and 76,068, respectively. Information on the number of defendants pleading guilty before their case reaches trial in the magistrates courts is not collected centrally and could be gathered from court files only at disproportionate cost.
	The above figures relate to defendants dealt with in cases that had been committed or sent for trial to the Crown court. Committed for trial cases can be heard in either a magistrates court or the Crown court (a defendant can elect to be tried in the Crown court before a judge and jury or a magistrate can decide that a case is sufficiently serious that it should be dealt with in the Crown court). Sent for trial cases can only be heard by the Crown court because of the severity of the offence committed.
	A guilty plea is recorded when a defendant: (i) pleads guilty to all counts; (ii) pleads guilty to some counts and not guilty to others and no jury is sworn in respect of the not guilty counts; and (iii) pleads not guilty to some or all counts but offers a guilty plea to alternatives which are accepted (providing no jury is sworn in respect of the other counts).
	Information about the extent to which sentences in individual cases are reduced by reason of a guilty plea is not recorded centrally.

Departmental Lost Property

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many (a) mobile telephones, (b) laptops and (c) hand-held IT devices issued by his Department have been recorded as lost since May 2010.

Jonathan Djanogly: The Ministry of Justice has recorded the loss or theft of (b) 47 laptops and (c) 58 BlackBerrys from May 2010 until the end of March 2011. Information on the number of (a) mobile telephones lost is not held centrally, and can be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
	All Ministry of Justice laptops and BlackBerrys are encrypted and protected with a complex password; and all BlackBerrys that are registered as lost or stolen are blocked remotely, making it impossible for them to be used. The Ministry also implements security incident management procedures to ensure that the impacts of incidents are risk managed and investigations are undertaken to seek, where possible, to retrieve lost/stolen assets.
	The Ministry adopts Government security policy framework requirements to securely protect its assets.

Departmental Public Expenditure

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how much his Department has spent on (a) stationery, (b) ministerial hospitality, (c) taxis, (d) pot plants and cut flowers, (e) lost mobile phones, (f) IT, (g) staff training and (h) staff away days since May 2010.

Kenneth Clarke: I shall provide the right hon. Member with a reply as soon as possible.

Departmental Termination of Employment

Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many managers at grade C or above have left the employment of (a) his Department and (b) the National Offender Management Service in the last two financial years; and how many of those managers have subsequently been employed by (i) Serco, (ii) G4S and (iii) any other private sector company holding contracts with his Department.

Crispin Blunt: The grading structure in the National Offender Management Service (NOMS) differs from the rest of the Ministry of Justice (MOJ). The definition of Grade C is different in each case. Senior Manager C in NOMS refers to a more senior responsibility level than a Band C in MOJ. The equivalent of a Senior Manager C within MOJ is Band A. It is this level for which information is supplied in the answer.
	The number of senior managers (Bands A and above) that left the MOJ between 1 April 2009 and 31 March 2011 was 348. The number of senior managers (Senior Manager C and above) that left NOMS during the same period was 109. Of these, 38 staff were operational grades.
	The MOJ and NOMS do not keep records of employment taken up by former staff after they have left. NOMS is however aware that a small number of senior managers resigned in 2010 to take up posts in the private sector, including the governors of Holloway, Whitemoor, Moorland and the Isle of Wight prisons. The former director general of NOMS also took up an appointment with G4S after he had left Crown employment in 2010. There may have been others who joined private sector providers but there is no requirement for those leaving to advise the Department or agency of their future employment plans, save for any obligations under the Business Appointment Rules.

Foreign Nationals: Prisoners

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many foreign national prisoners held on the prison estate are entitled to reside in the UK.

Damian Green: I have been asked to reply.
	In order to answer this question the UK Border Agency would need to cross reference individual records with the National Offender Management Service. This would incur a disproportionate cost. The latest figure available shows that on 31 March there were 10,745 foreign nationals in the prison estate.
	However, I can advise that a proportion of the foreign nationals in prison have a right to be in the UK either as an EEA national, or through another form of leave for example Indefinite Leave to Remain or having been granted asylum. The UK Border Agency will seek to revoke leave in order to remove individuals who meet the criteria for deportation.

Foreign Nationals: Prisoners

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 
	(1)  how many foreign nationals were convicted of (a) rape, (b) sexual assault, (c) sexual offences against children and (d) violent offences in each of the last 10 years;
	(2)  how many foreign nationals convicted of (a) rape, (b) sexual offences against children, (c) other sexual offences and (d) a violent offence were sentenced to (i) non-custodial sentences and (ii) custodial sentences of (A) less than one year, (B) between one and two years, (C) between two and three years, (D) between three and four years, (E) between four and five years, (F) between five and six years, (G) between six and seven years, (H) between seven and eight years, (I) between eight and nine years, (J) between nine and 10 years, (K) between 10 and 11 years, (L) between 11 and 12 years, (M) between 12 and 15 years, (N) between 15 and 20 years and (O) over 20 years in each of the last 10 years.

Crispin Blunt: Statistical information recorded centrally on the Court Proceedings database held by the Ministry of Justice does not include a defendant's nationality.

Foreign Nationals: Prisoners

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many foreign nationals convicted of (a) rape, (b) sexual offences against children, (c) other sexual offences and (d) a violent offence were released from prison after serving custodial sentences of (i) less than one year, (ii) between one and two years, (iii) between two and three years, (iv) between three and four years, (v) between four and five years, (vi) between five and six years, (vii) between six and seven years, (viii) between seven and eight years, (ix) between eight and nine years, (x) between nine and 10 years, (xi) between 10 and 11 years, (xii) between 11 and 12 years, (xiii) between 12 and 15 years, (xiv) between 15 and 20 years and (xv) over 20 years in each of the last 10 years.

Crispin Blunt: The following tables show the number of foreign national prisoners released from determinate sentences for (a) rape, (b) other sexual offences, and (c) violence against the person offences, by detailed sentence length band in each year from 2001-10 (except 2009 where the data are not available to this level of detail). From the data held centrally, it is not possible to separately identify those offenders convicted of sexual offences against children; they are included with other sexual offences.
	
		
			 Foreign national prisoners discharged from determinate sentences, rape, other sexual offences and violence against the person, England and Wales, 2001-10 
			  2001 2002 2003 
			  Rape Other sexual offences Violence against the Person Rape Other sexual offences Violence against the Person Rape Other sexual offences Violence against the Person 
			 Total 50 102 549 44 111 599 35 106 624 
			 Less than one year 0 43 342 0 53 387 1 42 383 
			 1 years to less than 2 years 1 31 78 1 24 90 0 31 106 
			 2 years to less than 3 years 0 11 34 2 11 49 1 13 50 
			 3 years to less than 4 years 2 6 35 3 13 27 1 10 31 
			 4 years to less than 5 years 2 5 12 3 5 11 3 4 22 
			 5 years to less than 6 years 10 2 17 6 3 13 4 2 15 
			 6 years to less than 7 years 12 1 10 6 1 10 4 0 4 
			 7 years to less than 8 years 9 1 9 5 0 2 4 2 5 
			 8 years to less than 9 years 4 1 2 8 1 1 7 2 5 
			 9 years to less than 10 years 2 0 2 3 0 1 3 0 1 
			 10 years to less than  11 years 1 1 3 3 0 3 2 0 1 
			 11 years to less than  12 years 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 
			 12 years to less than  15 years 5 0 3 3 0 5 1 0 1 
			 15 years to less than  20 years 1 0 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 
			 20 years to less than life 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
		
	
	
		
			  2004 2005 2006 
			  Rape Other sexual offences Violence against the Person Rape Other sexual offences Violence against the Person Rape Other sexual offences Violence against the Person 
			 Total 47 103 874 47 103 874 42 115 955 
			 Less than one year 2 49 583 2 49 583 4 59 714 
			 1 years to less than 2 years 3 20 113 3 20 113 2 26 120 
			 2 years to less than 3 years 4 10 61 4 10 61 0 15 40 
			 3 years to less than 4 years 4 10 33 4 10 33 8 7 30 
			 4 years to less than 5 years 1 6 34 1 6 34 3 4 17 
			 5 years to less than 6 years 7 2 19 7 2 19 5 2 15 
			 6 years to less than 7 years 9 1 11 9 1 11 5 1 4 
			 7 years to less than 8 years 6 2 9 6 2 9 2 1 3 
			 8 years to less than 9 years 3 0 4 3 0 4 7 0 8 
			 9 years to less than 10 years 0 1 0 0 1 0 2 0 1 
			 10 years to less than 11 years 3 2 2 3 2 2 2 0 1 
			 11 years to less than 12 years 0 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 
			 12 years to less than 15 years 5 0 1 5 0 1 1 0 1 
			 15 years to less than 20 years 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 1 
			 20 years to less than life 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 
		
	
	
		
			  2007 2008 2010 
			  Rape Other sexual offences Violence against the Person Rape Other sexual offences Violence against the Person Rape Other sexual offences Violence against the Person 
			 Total 43 102 904 43 133 1,172 90 133 1,313 
			 Less than one year 3 55 699 5 70 914 2 64 975 
			 1 years to less than 2 years 4 21 94 0 26 109 1 19 136 
			 2 years to less than 3 years 2 8 31 0 12 41 1 13 65 
			 3 years to less than 4 years 1 4 24 3 13 26 3 10 47 
			 4 years to less than 5 years 3 12 16 5 4 17 7 13 27 
			 5 years to less than 6 years 8 0 13 6 1 34 15 8 28 
			 6 years to less than 7 years 8 1 9 8 1 12 18 2 6 
			 7 years to less than 8 years 5 0 7 6 6 11 14 2 6 
			 8 years to less than 9 years 1 1 7 4 0 2 12 1 12 
			 9 years to less than 10 years 2 0 2 2 0 1 9 0 4 
			 10 years to less than 11 years 4 0 1 3 0 4 4 1 3 
			 11 years to less than 12 years 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 
			 12 years to less than 15 years 2 0 0 1 0 0 4 0 0 
			 15 years to less than 20 years 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 
			 20 years to less than life 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0

Legal Aid: Citizens Advice Bureaux

Julian Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what assessment he has made of the cost-effectiveness of legal help contracts with citizens advice bureaux on (a) debt, (b) welfare benefits, (c) housing, (d) family law and (e) employment assistance.

Jonathan Djanogly: The Legal Services Commission (LSC) is responsible for administering the legal aid scheme in England and Wales. The LSC does not hold information on the cost-effectiveness of legal help contracts with Citizens Advice Bureaux on (a) debt, (b) welfare benefits, (c) housing, (d) family law and (e) employment assistance.
	Since 2007, in order to ensure that clients are offered the same standard of quality whether they choose to obtain legally aided advice from a private contracted solicitor firm or a voluntary sector organisation the LSC has offered one single contract to both private and voluntary sector organisations.
	The LSC manages each provider’s performance against the contract to ensure that legal aid funds are properly managed, and provide value for money services for the client, the Government and the taxpayer.

Prisoners’ Release

Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many people were released on life licence in (a) 2009 and (b) 2010 in England and Wales.

Crispin Blunt: The number of releases from prison establishments in England and Wales on life licence in (a) 2009 was 142 and in (b) 2010 was 161.
	These figures have been drawn from administrative IT systems which, as with any large scale recording system, are subject to possible errors with data entry and processing.

Prisoners’ Release

Laura Sandys: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if he will take steps to prevent resettled ex-offenders from being concentrated in certain regions.

Crispin Blunt: Normally, offenders who have served sentences in custody are expected to return to their home area.
	Probation trusts will work closely with local authority housing services and the police to make sure that offenders are appropriately managed in the community. Applicants for social housing must demonstrate to local housing authorities that they have a local connection; offender managers work closely with local authorities to verify this connection, and to protect the public by mitigating any risks, particularly to victims
	Trusts are also active members of Community Safety Partnerships, which are responsible for developing local strategies for reducing reoffending.

Probation

Elfyn Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 
	(1)  whether a risk assessment was carried out by the relevant probation trust prior to the closure of any Probation Service office since May 2010;
	(2)  how many Probation Service offices in England and Wales were closed in April 2011;
	(3)  what estimate he has made of the potential savings from the closure of Probation Service offices in England and Wales in (a) 2011-12 and (b) 2012-13;
	(4)  what plans he has to close Probation Service offices in England and Wales in (a) 2011-12 and (b) 2012-13.

Crispin Blunt: As part of probation trusts' estate strategy development, an assessment is made of the impact and risks relating to proposed closures.
	No probation premises closed during April 2011.
	Probation trusts are encouraged to consider vacating buildings that are not required or that are not fit for purpose, not only to increase efficiency, but also to improve the overall quality and suitability of premises. A number of properties are under consideration for closure in 2011-12 and 2012-13, but final numbers and, therefore, the total estimated savings have yet to be determined.

Reoffenders

Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many people were recalled to custody following a breach of a (a) determinate licence and (b) life licence in (i) 2009 and (ii) 2010 in England and Wales.

Crispin Blunt: For the financial year 2009-10(1), there were (a) 13,919 recalls of people serving determinate sentences and (b) in 2009 there were 124 recalls from life licence. In 2010 there were 99 recalls from life licence.
	Statistics on licence recalls and returns to custody are published quarterly in the Offender Management Statistics quarterly bulletin on the Ministry of Justice website
	http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/statistics-and-data/prisons-and-probation/oms-quartlery.htm
	These figures have been drawn from administrative IT systems which, as with any large scale recording system, are subject to possible errors with data entry and processing.
	(1) Financial year data for 2009-10 are based on information recorded on the central prison IT system at 30 April 2010. Financial year data for 2010-11 is not available.

Reoffenders

Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many people recalled to custody were deemed high risk in (a) 2009 and (b) 2010 in England and Wales.

Crispin Blunt: Offenders serving a sentence of 12 months and over are released from prison, in most cases automatically at the half way point of a determinate sentence, under licensed supervision to the Probation Service. Offenders released on licence are recalled to custody if their behaviour gives cause for concern. Offenders who, at the point of recall, are believed to present a high risk of serious harm or a risk of imminent re-offending are classified as an “emergency” recall. There were 2,454 emergency recalls in 2009 and 2,458 in 2010.
	These figures have been drawn from administrative IT systems, which, as with any large scale recording system, are subject to possible errors with data entry and processing.

EDUCATION

Children: Human Trafficking

Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education 
	(1)  what recent assessment he has made of the capacity of local authorities to support children identified as victims of human trafficking; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what estimate he has made of the number of children identified as victims of human trafficking that have gone missing from local authority care in (a) each region and (b) Wales in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement;
	(3)  how many children identified as victims of human trafficking were in local authority care in (a) each region of England and (b) Wales in the latest period for which figures are available.

Tim Loughton: Local authorities have a statutory duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children in their area. They work in close co-operation with the police and the UK Border Agency to support and provide protection for potentially trafficked children. This will include assessing their needs and putting in place support packages, which may include the child becoming looked after in the care system. Where a child does become looked after, local authorities must allocate the child a social worker who will draw up a care plan. This sets out how the authority intends to respond to the full range of a child's needs, including the need to safeguard them from contact with traffickers.
	The plan will also include arrangements to be followed if the young person goes missing. The National Minimum Standards (NMS) for Children's Homes and Fostering Services require all homes and fostering services to have explicit procedures for when looked after children are missing or absent. “Statutory Guidance on Children who Run Away and Go Missing from Home and Care”, issued in July 2009, requires local authorities to collect information on missing from care incidents. Local authorities must make regular reports to council members with responsibility for “corporate parenting” on patterns of children going missing from care. However, information on whether a looked after child has been the victim of human trafficking, or has been trafficked into the country and subsequently goes missing from care, is not collected centrally.

Scotland

Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what proportion of contracts issued by (a) his Department and (b) agencies for which he is responsible were awarded to small and medium-sized enterprises in (i) Scotland, (ii) South Lanarkshire and (iii) Rutherglen and Hamilton West constituency in the latest period for which figures are available.

Tim Loughton: To get the information on what proportion of contracts were awarded by the Department for Education, and its agencies to small and medium-sized enterprises in the areas mentioned could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

Diamond Jubilee 2012: Urban Areas

Rehman Chishti: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister 
	(1)  when he expects to announce the outcome of the competition for diamond jubilee city status;
	(2)  which areas have submitted a bid for city status as part of the competition to mark the Queen's diamond jubilee.

Mark Harper: I refer the hon. Member to the written ministerial statements I made on 1 December 2010, Official Report, column 77WS and today.

WOMEN AND EQUALITIES

Age: Discrimination

Mike Hancock: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities what steps she is taking to reduce the incidence of age discrimination in the workplace.

Steve Webb: I have been asked to reply.
	The Government's Age Positive initiative aims to reduce age discrimination at work by providing employers with guidance on the business benefits of investing in older workers. The Government are working in partnership with key business leaders in the main occupational sectors to drive forward sustained improvement around the recruitment, retention and training of older people and embed effective workforce practices that include flexible work and flexible retirement opportunities. Information is given on:
	www.businesslink.gov.uk/agepositive
	The Government have introduced legislation this year to phase out the Default Retirement Age (DRA), which will mean that employers can no longer retire people compulsorily at 65 years using the DRA. This change will allow people to retire when they choose to. The legislation will still allow employers to use compulsory retirement ages, which can be earlier than 65 years, providing they can objectively justify it.

NORTHERN IRELAND

European Commission

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what meetings he has had with European Commission officials since May 2010.

Owen Paterson: I have had no such meetings.

COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Building Regulations

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what impact assessment his Department has carried out in respect of proposed changes to the competent person assessment scheme; and if he will make a statement.

Andrew Stunell: The Department published proposals in a consultation document to revise the conditions of authorisation for Building Regulations competent person schemes in December 2009 with a view to achieving a higher level of compliance with the requirements in the regulations and to give greater consumer protection. The proposals were accompanied by an impact assessment which concluded that there would be a net present benefit over 10 years of £23 million. The consultation document and impact assessment are available at:
	http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/competentschemechangesconsult
	The Department is currently amending the proposed conditions in response to comments made in reply to the consultation and further discussions with scheme operators and others, and will amend the impact assessment accordingly. The amended impact assessment will be published later this year.

Departmental Responsibilities

Nick Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what strategic framework his Department has developed for the delivery of its core functions during the comprehensive spending review period.

Bob Neill: The core functions of the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) are to lead action within Government for decentralisation and localism, and also to play and an important role in delivering economic growth and the big society.
	The framework for delivering these responsibilities consists of the DCLG business plan and the structural reform plan.
	The DCLG business plan was republished on 13 May and sets out our vision and priorities, as well as data on budgets, common areas of spend and indicators. From July, progress on these will be published by all Departments including DCLG in the quarterly data summaries.
	Detailed actions to deliver our priorities are set out with clear actions and measurable milestones in the structural reform plan. This was recently refreshed in the DCLG business plan. Progress against the structural reform plan actions is published on the No 10 website each month.

Fire Services

Chris Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government when he plans to publish the Government's response to its consultation on the future of fire controls in England.

Bob Neill: We hope to publish our formal response, including information about arrangements for distributing any funding available shortly. I am very grateful to all those who responded and we have been analysing their views carefully. I updated chairs of fire and rescue authorities and their chief fire officers on progress earlier this week.

Fire Services

Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government when he expects to publish a new Fire and Rescue Services National Framework.

Bob Neill: A revised Fire and Rescue Services National Framework will be published by the summer 2012. A copy will be placed in the Library of the House.

Fire Services: Accountability

David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what representations he has received on the merits of including the fire service within the remit of the proposed directly-elected police and crime commissioners; and if he will make a statement.

Bob Neill: My Department has not received any representations on the merits of including the fire service within the remit of the proposed directly-elected police and crime commissioners.

Non-domestic Rates: Empty Property

Wayne David: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if he will review the decision to end support for empty property rate measures.

Bob Neill: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Newark (Patrick Mercer) on 8 February 2011, Official Report, column 178W.

Public Sector: Land

Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what consultation he has had with (a) the Welsh Government, (b) the Scottish Government and (c) the Northern Ireland Executive on plans for Government Departments to dispose of surplus public sector land.

Bob Neill: The disposal of surplus public sector land is a devolved matter, and the announcement on 8 June 2011 by the Minister for Housing and Local Government, to accelerate the release of public sector land for housing related to England only. My officials meet regularly with their counterparts in the devolved Administrations to discuss issues of mutual interest.

Travellers: Caravan Sites

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government when he plans to amend the circular 1/2006 on Travellers; and if he will make a statement.

Bob Neill: holding answer 10 June 2011
	On 13 April, my Department published a draft planning policy statement on Traveller sites, which we intend will replace Circular 01/2006 (“Planning for Gypsy and Traveller Sites”) and Circular 04/2007 (“Planning for Travelling Showpeople”). It is open for public consultation until 6 July and a copy has been placed in the Library of the House. Although the circulars are currently extant, decision makers are entitled to have regard to the fact that it is proposed to withdraw them and replace them with this new policy.

WORK AND PENSIONS

Attendance Allowance

Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether he has any plans to reform attendance allowance.

Maria Miller: There are currently no plans to reform attendance allowance. Once personal independence payment has replaced disability living allowance for the working age case load, we will consider carefully any potential impacts of this for attendance allowance.

Children: Day Care

Sharon Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps he is taking to ensure families living in poverty have adequate access to childcare in order to take up employment.

Maria Miller: Jobcentre Plus advisers help parents identify and access appropriate child care provision in their area. Partnership managers work with local authorities to identify gaps in provision. The costs of child care are paid by Jobcentre Plus for parent claimants on Jobcentre Plus work and training programmes.
	Help with child care costs for working parents is currently provided via working tax credits. We have recently announced that in the future help with child care costs will be provided in universal credit.

Departmental Research

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what (a) longitudinal and (b) other (i) research and (ii) collection of data his Department has (A) initiated, (B) terminated and (C) amended in the last 12 months; and what such research and data collection exercises undertaken by the Department have not been amended in that period.

Chris Grayling: DWP undertakes a regular review of its research programme, including statistical surveys. The information has been placed in the Library. The response does not include data collected by the Department's staff on its day-to-day management of our business.

Disability Living Allowance

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many children in receipt of the (a) medium rate care component and (b) high rate mobility component of disability living allowance also receive the disability element of child tax credit or the disability premiums of income support.

Maria Miller: My Department does not collate information on child tax credit.
	Income support can be claimed only by people aged between age 16 and pension credit age. Therefore no child DLA claimants are in receipt of the disability premiums of income support.

Disability Living Allowance

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has for the future rate of the (a) enhanced disability element of child tax credit and (b) severe disability element of income support for children not in receipt of transitional protection after their replacement with the higher disability addition on the introduction of universal credit.

Chris Grayling: Under universal credit we have committed to providing additional elements for disabled children, with a higher rate for disabled and severely disabled children. We have already announced that the rates of the disabled child elements will align with the additional elements payable to disabled adults within universal credit. We have also committed to providing transitional protection for cash losers at point of change.
	In today’s figures this means that the lower rate would be around £26.75 and the higher rate £74.50 a week.
	Our intention is that the higher rate for children and adults will be increased in stages as resources allow. We are aware that severely disabled children receiving the highest rates in child tax credit or income support are receiving close to the illustrative amount for the higher rate already and we are factoring this into our planning.

Disability Living Allowance: Clwyd

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number of people in Vale of Clwyd constituency who will be affected by the planned change to disability living allowance.

Maria Miller: Support in personal independence payment will be focused on those who face the biggest barriers to independent living. The assessment continues to be developed and at this stage, therefore, an evaluation is not available of the impact that changes could have on existing disability living allowance, or future recipients. We are working with disabled people and organisations that represent them on the detailed design and delivery of personal independence payment and the outcomes from this work will be reflected in updates to the impact assessment for this change. We have already announced that personal independence payment will be a non-taxable, non means-tested benefit payable to people in and out of work.
	The numbers of recipients of disability living allowance in the Vale of Clwyd parliamentary constituency who are 16 to 64 years old are provided in the following table.
	
		
			 Recipients of disability living allowance in the Vale of Clwyd parliamentary constituency ages 16 to 64—November 2010 
			  Number 
			 Vale of Clwyd Constituency (ages 16 to 64) 4,000 
			 Notes: 1. Case load figures are rounded to the nearest 10. 2. Data are for the number of people in receipt of an allowance, and exclude people with entitlement where the payment has been suspended, for example if they are in hospital. 3. These figures are published at http://83.244.183.180/100pc/tabtool.html Source: Department for Work and Pensions, Information Directorate, 100% WPLS

Disability Living Allowance: Mental Health

Madeleine Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number of people with a (a) mental health condition and (b) physical disability who were in receipt of disability benefits and have had those benefits withdrawn in the latest period for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement.

Maria Miller: We are unable to estimate the number of people with mental health conditions or physical disabilities who have had their disability living allowance or attendance allowance withdrawn. The specific information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
	The information on the number of people with mental or physical disabilities in receipt of disability living allowance or attendance allowance is in the following tables.
	
		
			 Disability living allowance recipients by main disabling condition, Great Britain, November 2010 
			  Total 
			 All 3,181,080 
			 Physical Disorders 2,299,750 
			 Mental Health Disorders 881,330 
			 Source:  DWP Information Directorate: Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study. 
		
	
	
		
			 Attendance allowance recipients by main disabling condition, Great Britain, November 2010 
			  Total 
			 All 1,626,910 
			 Physical Disorders 1,470,120 
		
	
	
		
			 Mental Health Disorders 156,790 
			 Notes:  1. Caseloads are rounded to the nearest 10—totals may not sum due to rounding.  2. Where more than one disability is present only the main disabling condition is recorded.  3. Figures show the number of people in receipt of an allowance, and exclude people with entitlement where the payment has been suspended, for example if they are in hospital.  4. ‘Physical Disorders’ encompass all categories not included in ‘Mental Health Disorders’. Namely, the main disabling conditions Arthritis, Muscle/Joint/Bone Disease, Blindness, Stroke Related, Epilepsy, Deafness, Malignant Disease, Chest Disease, Back Ailments, Heart Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, Diabetes Mellitus, Renal Disorders, AIDS, Skin Disease, Frailty, Multiple Sclerosis and a number of cases not allocated to a main disabling condition. These are codes which were introduced in October 2008 and include B21 ‘Infectious diseases (Tuberculosis)’, B31 ‘Infectious diseases (Malaria)’ and B99 ‘Infectious diseases (Other ‘Infectious Disease’)’. Unknown cases are also included in this category.  5. ‘Mental Health Disorders’ encompass the main disabling conditions ‘Learning Difficulties’ and ‘Mental and Behavioural Disorders’ and the new code introduced in October 2008, ‘Psychiatric Disorders’. Source:  DWP Information Directorate: Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study.

Disability Living Allowance: Mental Health

Madeleine Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number of people in Bridgend constituency (a) of each age group, (b) of each sex, (c) with each physical disability and (d) with each mental health diagnosis who are in receipt of disability benefits; and if he will make a statement.

Maria Miller: The information requested is in the following tables.
	
		
			 Disability living allowance recipients in Bridgend parliamentary constituency by main disabling condition, age and sex—November 2010 
			  All Physical disorders Mental health disorders 
			  All Female Male All Female Male All Female Male 
			 All 6,660 3,380 3,280 5,190 2,760 2,430 1,470 630 850 
			 Under 5 70 30 40 40 20 20 30 10 20 
			 5-10 220 60 160 110 40 70 100 20 80 
			 11-15 240 70 170 120 40 80 120 20 100 
			 16-17 90 30 60 40 20 20 50 10 40 
			 18-24 250 90 160 100 30 70 150 60 100 
			 25-29 160 80 80 70 40 30 100 50 50 
			 30-34 190 80 100 90 40 40 100 40 60 
			 35-39 290 150 140 160 100 60 130 50 70 
			 40-44 330 180 150 210 120 90 120 60 60 
			 45-49 510 300 210 350 210 140 160 90 70 
			 50-54 480 290 200 360 220 140 120 70 50 
			 55-59 620 360 260 530 310 220 90 50 40 
			 60-64 860 450 410 770 410 360 90 40 50 
			 65-69 890 470 420 830 440 400 60 40 20 
			 70-74 720 370 340 680 360 330 30 10 20 
			 75-79 470 240 230 450 230 220 20 10 10 
			 80-84 190 90 110 190 90 110 — — — 
			 85-89 70 40 30 70 40 30 — — — 
			 90 and over 10 10 — 10 10 — — — — 
			 All 6,660 3,380 3,280 5,190 2,760 2,430 1,470 630 850 
		
	
	
		
			 Attendance allowance recipients in Bridgend parliamentary constituency by main disabling condition, age and sex—November 2010 
			  All Physical disorders Mental health disorders 
			  All Female Male All Female Male All Female Male 
			 All 2,910 2,030 880 2,730 1,900 830 180 130 50 
			 65 to 69 80 50 30 70 50 30 10 — 10 
			 70 to 74 330 210 120 320 200 120 20 10 — 
			 75 to 79 600 390 210 550 360 190 40 20 20 
			 80 to 84 730 510 220 690 470 210 40 30 10 
			 85 to 89 730 520 200 690 490 190 40 30 10 
			 90 and over 440 350 90 410 320 90 30 30 — 
			 ‘—’ Denotes nil or negligible. Notes: 1. Case loads are rounded to the nearest 10—totals may not sum due to rounding. 2. Where more than one disability is present only the main disabling condition is recorded. 3. Figures show the number of people in receipt of an allowance, and exclude people with entitlement where the payment has been suspended, for example if they are in hospital. 4. Constituencies used are for the Westminster Parliament 2010. 5. 'Physical Disorders' encompass all categories not included in 'Mental Health Disorders’. Namely, the main disabling conditions Arthritis, Muscle/Joint/Bone Disease, Blindness, Stroke Related, Epilepsy, Deafness, Malignant Disease, Chest Disease, Back Ailments, Heart Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Diabetes Mellitus, Renal Disorders, AIDS, Skin Disease, Frailty, Multiple Sclerosis and a number of cases not allocated to a main disabling condition. These are codes which were introduced in October 2008 and include B21 'Infectious diseases (Tuberculosis)', B31 'Infectious diseases (Malaria)' and B99 'Infectious diseases (Other Infectious Disease)'. Unknown cases are also included in this category. 6. 'Mental Health Disorders' encompass the main disabling conditions 'Learning Difficulties' and 'Mental and Behavioural Disorders' and the new code introduced in October 2008 , 'Psychiatric Disorders'. Source: DWP Information Directorate: Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study.

Employment and Support Allowance

Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will allow claimants of employment and support allowance to move to universal credit ahead of the planned transfer date.

Maria Miller: Our current intention is that we will start to take new claims to universal credit from October 2013. From April 2014 to October 2017 we will begin to transition existing claimants to universal credit, existing claimants may also move as a process of natural transition if for example, they have a change of circumstance.

Jobcentre Plus: Complaints

Teresa Pearce: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many complaints have been received by each Jobcentre Plus office in the London borough of Greenwich in each of the last 12 months.

Chris Grayling: The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, Darra Singh. I have asked him to provide the hon. Member with the information requested.
	Letter from Darra Singh
	The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question asking how many complaints have been received by each Jobcentre Plus in the London Borough of Greenwich in each of the last 12 months. This is something that falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.
	There are two Jobcentre Plus offices located in the London Borough of Greenwich; Eltham Jobcentre Plus and Woolwich Jobcentre Plus.
	The figures included in the tables below represent all correspondence made by, or relating to, a Jobcentre Plus customer of either the Eltham or Woolwich offices. This includes complaints received at any point of the Jobcentre Plus complaints process, including at the Jobcentre, at District Office and those received by senior officials and Ministers.
	
		
			 Complaints received by Eltham Jobcentre Plus over the last 12 months 
			 Month complaints received Number of complaints 
			 June 2010 12 
			 July 2010 13 
			 August 2010 12 
			 September 2010 15 
			 October 2010 21 
			 November 2010 16 
			 December 2010 10 
			 January 2011 14 
			 February 2011 23 
			 March 2011 14 
			 April 2011 4 
			 May 2011 3 
			 Total 157 
		
	
	
		
			 Complaints received by Woolwich Jobcentre Plus over the last  12 months 
			 Month complaints received Number of complaints 
			 June 2010 27 
			 July 2010 27 
			 August 2010 30 
			 September 2010 22 
			 October 2010 28 
			 November 2010 20 
			 December 2010 21 
			 January 2011 28 
			 February 2011 31 
			 March 2011 23 
			 April 2011 20 
			 May 2011 34 
			 Total 311

Jobcentres: Employment Schemes

Paul Uppal: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps his Department takes to monitor the effectiveness of jobcentres in assisting individuals into long-term employment.

Chris Grayling: The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, Darra Singh. I have asked him to provide the hon. Member with the information requested.
	Letter from Darra Singh
	The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question asking about what steps the Department takes to monitor the effectiveness of Jobcentres in assisting individuals into long term employment. This is something that falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.
	The main measure of Jobcentre Plus performance is the rate at which people leave Jobseeker's Allowance, Income Support and Employment and Support Allowance and move into employment. The measure supports the Department for Work and Pensions 2011-15 Business Plan and the Coalition Government's structural reform priorities. Jobcentre Plus provides regular monthly progress and performance reports to the Department and Ministers, and performance data will be made available to the public through the DWP website.
	For the very large numbers of Jobcentre Plus claimants, it is not cost effective or appropriate to routinely monitor what happens to them after they have been successful in finding work. However to help identify those claimants who return quickly to benefit and who experience difficulties remaining in work, Jobcentre Plus monitors the number of times claimants have been on the same benefit over the previous two years, and the period since they last claimed the benefit. The Department also undertakes a range of evaluation activity of its programmes to assess the impact on long term employment.
	The Work Programme is now providing support for claimants at most risk of longer dependency on welfare. The Work Programme includes financial incentives for providers for achieving sustained employment outcomes for up to 2 years. A substantial element of the total potential payment is linked to sustained employment. Official statistics will be published in due course.

Personal Independence Payment: Autism

Steve Brine: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps he plans to take to ensure that the needs of those with autism are adequately accounted for in the draft descriptors for the personal independence payment.

Maria Miller: We know it is essential that the assessment for personal independence payment effectively accounts for the needs of disabled people with autistic spectrum disorders. We want the assessment for personal independence payment, which we have been developing in collaboration with a group of independent specialists in health and disability, to consider the impact of disability in a more holistic way than DLA does. The activities we have chosen to assess are intended to allow us to accurately consider the impact of physical, sensory, mental, intellectual and cognitive impairments. For example, the introduction of communication is a significant departure from DLA and one which will ensure we better take into account the effect of impairments that impact on sight, hearing, speech and comprehension.
	We have published our initial proposals for the assessment criteria and are currently seeking views on them. As part of this officials have already met with the National Autistic Society and are currently considering their initial contribution to our informal consultation. We are also testing the draft assessment criteria over the summer to enable us to better understand their likely impact. As part of this we will be specifically looking at how they affect people with autistic spectrum disorders.
	I have separately met with the Society to hear their views on DLA reform firsthand. We hope to continue working closely with them and other disability organisations as we continue to develop the assessment criteria and move towards implementation of personal independence payment.

Universal Credit

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what processes he plans to put in place to determine entitlement to universal credit for claimants with complex cases which cannot be dealt with through an automated system.

Chris Grayling: Universal credit will be rules-based and largely automated both to reduce administration costs and deliver better value for money for the taxpayer. In some cases, it will still be necessary to make judgments about evidence or entitlement, and those assessments will continue to be made by members of staff.

Universal Credit: Disability

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether the higher earnings disregard for disabled adults within the universal credit will apply to carers of disabled children.

Chris Grayling: Carers are not a specified group entitled to an increased disregard. However, a significant majority of carers will be in a household that benefit from an earnings disregard because of other family circumstances.
	Of course, earnings disregards are only one way in which universal credit will enhance the work incentives of carers. All groups will benefit from the single earnings taper, which is the main mechanism for ensuring that work pays.

DEFENCE

Armed Forces: Vehicles

David Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many non-combat vehicles owned by his Department were manufactured (a) in the UK, (b) in another EU member state and (c) in a country outside the EU.

Peter Luff: The Ministry of Defence has a lease/hire agreement in place for the provision of the majority of non-operational vehicles (White Fleet Vehicles), which include cars, vans, trailers, minibuses, motorbikes and coaches. These are vehicles which are not intended to operate in combat zones. We do not therefore own such vehicles under this arrangement.
	Some units may arrange for the ad hoc supply of a very small quantity of non-operational vehicles to be provided through local arrangements. These details are not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Defence Reform Unit: Expenditure

Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the cost to his Department has been of the establishment and operation of the Defence Reform Unit.

Andrew Robathan: None of the members of the Defence reform steering group chaired by the noble Lord, Lord Levene, have been paid for this role. The team supporting the review comprises staff reallocated from other duties at no additional cost to the Department beyond some £10,000 incurred on travel and subsistence.

Departmental Apprentices

David Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many individuals completed civilian apprenticeships in his Department in each of the last 10 years.

Andrew Robathan: The number of individuals completing civilian apprenticeships within the Ministry of Defence in each of the last 10 years is as follows:
	
		
			 Financial year Completions 
			 2001-02 13 
			 2002-03 5 
			 2003-04 15 
			 2004-05 48 
			 2005-06 24 
			 2006-07 33 
			 2007-08 43 
			 2008-09 35 
			 2009-10 140 
			 2010-11 616 
		
	
	In addition, 154 individuals have completed civilian apprenticeships so far in 2011-12, and a further 1,255 civilian apprentices are currently in learning.
	There have been a further 229 civilian apprenticeships completed over this period for which the exact year of completion is not known.

Departmental Consultants

Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department has spent on consultants since 1 November 2010.

Andrew Robathan: Consultancy (or external assistance) includes a range of activities, such as management consultancy, specialist lawyers, commercial bankers and IT expertise. Consultants help us increase our efficiency and effectiveness, but are employed only where the necessary work cannot be undertaken in house and where value for money can be clearly demonstrated. The total spend on consultants for the period 1 November 2010 to 30 March 2011 for the Ministry of Defence (MOD) was £13.085 million. This includes the MOD agencies and trading funds.
	All new spend on consultancy must comply with the tighter controls announced last year by the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Departmental Films

Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department has spent on producing films since December 2010.

Andrew Robathan: Since December 2010 the Ministry of Defence, including its Trading Funds, has spent approximately £440,000 on producing films, primarily to support essential training and as part of recruitment to maintain operational capability to the armed forces.
	
		
			  £ 
			 Recruitment 6,673 
			 Training 361,626 
			 Other 75,000 
		
	
	This covers the production of the Army Families Deployment Guide.

Departmental Manpower

Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department spent on recreational facilities for staff in its buildings in each of the last five years.

Andrew Robathan: This information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
	Physical recreational facilities are made available as a matter of course for service personnel. All members of the armed forces are required to maintain a level of physical fitness that allows them to fulfil their service obligations and as a result suitable facilities are made available at military establishments for service personnel and, where capacity allows, also for civilian staff.
	The Department provides no financial support for recreational facilities for civilian staff apart from the salary and accommodation costs of the Defence Sports and Recreation Association secretariat.

Departmental Marketing

Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department has spent on advertising since May 2010.

Andrew Robathan: In June 2010, the Cabinet Office and HM Treasury imposed restrictions across Government on marketing and advertising spend.
	The following figures have been taken from requests which have been submitted to the Ministry of Defence's (MOD)s' Director of Media and Communications and approved under the Cabinet Office marketing and advertising restrictions from June 2010 to June 2011.
	
		
			  £ million 
			 MOD 20.0 
			 Trading funds 1.4 
			 Total 21.4 
		
	
	The MOD expenditure of £20 million includes £18 million for essential recruiting advertising to maintain the operational capability of the armed forces.

Departmental Renewable Energy

David Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many buildings (a) owned and (b) leased by his Department have had renewable energy equipment installed to provide power in the last 12 months; and what type of equipment was installed in each such case.

Andrew Robathan: A range of renewable energy technologies have been installed on the Defence estate over the last 12 months. However, records of each individual piece of equipment, and where it is located are not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
	Examples of the types of renewable energy equipment installed include: ground source heat pumps, solar photovoltaic panels and a biomass boiler.

Libya: Armed Conflict

Madeleine Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the average daily cost of (a) using Italian air bases and (b) providing accommodation for UK armed forces in Italy as part of Operation Ellamy has been; and if he will make a statement.

Nick Harvey: It is too early to give a robust estimate of the costs of the operations in Libya. However, we expect they should be modest compared with some other operations, such as Afghanistan. As the Chancellor of the Exchequer has made clear, the additional costs of operations in Libya will be fully met from the reserve.
	There are no ongoing additional costs resulting from our use of Italian air bases as this operation is being conducted under NATO and thus members of the alliance incur nil costs for such use.
	The approximate average daily cost, assessed up to 1 June 2011, for accommodation of all UK personnel at the main deployed locations in Italy is given in the following table.
	
		
			  Approximate daily accommodation costs (£) 
			 Gioia del Colle, Italy 30,000 
			 Trapani, Italy 10,000 
			 Poggio Renatico, Italy 5,000 
			 Naples, Italy £2,000

Libya: Armed Conflict

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many RAF reserves at each (a) rank and (b) speciality are deployed on Libyan operations.

Nick Harvey: holding answer 10 June 2011
	As at 9 June 2011, the following Royal Auxiliary Air Force personnel were deployed outside the UK in support of operation Ellamy:
	
		
			 Trade/Branch Rank 
			 Movements Operator 1 x Senior Aircraftman 
			 Ops Support (Flight Operations) 1 x Flying Officer 
			   
			 Ops Support (Personnel) 1 x Acting Flight Lieutenant 
		
	
	
		
			  1 x Wing Commander 
			   
			 Weapons Systems Operator (Crewman) 1 x Master Aircrew 
		
	
	The following sponsored reserves are also deployed on operation Ellamy:
	
		
			 Trade/Branch Rank 
			 Engineering Technician 2 x Chief Technician 
			   
			 Ops Support (Flight Operations) 2 x Flying Officer 
			  1 x Flight Lieutenant 
			   
			 Supplier 2 x Corporal 
		
	
	Additionally the following Royal Auxiliary Air Force personnel have been called-out to support operation Ellamy within the UK:
	
		
			 Trade/Branch Rank 
			 Intelligence Analyst 5 x Senior Aircraftman 
			  1 x Corporal 
			  1 x Sergeant

Malaysia: Military Decorations

Anna Soubry: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the decision of the Committee on the Grant of Honours, Decorations and Medals in respect of the wearing of the Pingat Jasa Malaysia medal by British citizens; and if he will make a statement.

Andrew Robathan: The Government are undertaking a review of the rules governing the awarding of military medals in line with their commitment in the Programme for Government. The review is currently in the final stages of evaluation and we are currently consulting with a number of campaign groups, including the Pingat Jasa Malaysia Veterans Association.

Military Low Flying

Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the written ministerial statement of 8 June 2011, Official Report, column 25WS, on military low flying 2010-11, how many low-flying training hours in (a) the UK and (b) Wales were used for the training of members of the (i) Royal Air Force and (ii) air forces of each other country and organisation which participated in low-flying training in UK airspace in 2010-11.

Andrew Robathan: The information is not held in the format requested. A total of 49,399 hours of low-flying training, including operational low flying, were carried out across the UK during the training year 2010-11. Foreign based aircraft are recorded as having operated within the UK as a whole for a total of 112 hours and 47 minutes in the training year 2010-11.
	A total of 6,178 low-flying hours were recorded as being operated over Low Flying Area (LFA) 7 and LFA 7 T, which cover most, but not all, of Wales; we have no record showing separate flights by foreign based aircraft. Some foreign based aircraft may have operated both in the UK as a whole, and over Wales, as part of UK-led formations or exercises.

Military Decorations

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will estimate the cost to the public purse of introducing a national defence medal.

Andrew Robathan: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave during the debate on the National Defence Medal on 8 February 2011, Official Report, column 57WH, secured by the right hon. Member for Rotherham (Mr MacShane).

Military Decorations

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make it his policy to provide recognition of service for all those who have served in the armed forces through a medal or certificate.

Andrew Robathan: All service personnel receive a certificate of service on discharge from the armed forces. This contains the period of service, the trade of the individual and the highest rank attained.
	Official recognition of service is in the form of a veterans badge and it is issued as a matter of course to all service personnel on discharge. For all other former service personnel, application can be made to the Joint Service Medal Office and one will be issued.
	The Government are undertaking a review of the rules governing the awarding of military medals in line with its commitment in the programme for Government. The review is currently in the final stages of evaluation and we are currently consulting with a number of campaign groups, including the Campaign for a National Defence Medal.

Ministry of Defence Police and Guarding Agency: Manpower

Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the number of (a) police officers and (b) staff in the Ministry of Defence police in (i) 2010, (ii) 2011, (iii) 2012, (iv) 2013 and (v) 2014.

Andrew Robathan: The number of Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) officers (strength) were as follows:
	1 April 2010: 3,457
	1 April 2011: 3,302
	The number of non-uniformed civilian staff supporting the wider Ministry of Defence Police and Guarding Agency, were as follows:
	1 April 2010: 439
	1 April 2011: 409
	Consideration is being given to future staff numbers in the context of a wider examination of Defence support costs.

RAF Leuchars

Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what work classified as redevelopment has been (a) commenced and (b) continued at RAF Leuchars since 1 November 2010.

Andrew Robathan: Since 1 November 2010 a number of redevelopment projects have commenced or continued at RAF Leuchars to achieve the minimum military requirement for Typhoon operations.
	I would like to draw the right hon. Member's attention to the answer the Minister for Defence Equipment Support and Technology, my hon. Friend the Member for Mid Worcestershire (Peter Luff), gave on 18 March 2011, Official Report, column 677W. Further research has shown that a total of some £2.9 million was spent on redevelopment at RAF Leuchars in 2010-11. I regret that this expenditure was not identified earlier.

Stabilisation Unit: Finance

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much funding his Department has allocated to its Stabilisation Fund in each year of the comprehensive spending review period.

Nick Harvey: The Stabilisation Aid Fund and Conflict Prevention Pool were merged on 1 April 2009 to form the Conflict Pool, which is managed jointly by the Department for International Development, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Ministry of Defence. Funding for the Conflict Pool is provided by HM Treasury as part of a dedicated settlement on conflict resources and is separate from departmental expenditure limits.
	The Conflict Pool’s funding allocation for each year of the current spending review period was provided in a written ministerial statement made by the Secretary of State for International Development on 5 April 2011, Official Report, columns 57-59WS.

Swimming Pools

Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many of his Department's buildings have swimming pools for staff use.

Andrew Robathan: This information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

CABINET OFFICE

Civil Service

George Howarth: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what assessment he has made of the potential effect of civil service job losses on (a) each region of England, (b) Scotland, (c) Wales and (d) Northern Ireland.

Francis Maude: It is for individual Departments to determine their workforce planning. The Government are committed to supporting all public sector employers to do everything that they can to mitigate the impact of workforce reductions.

Departmental Responsibilities

Nick Brown: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what strategic framework his Department has developed for the delivery of its core functions during the comprehensive spending review period.

Francis Maude: The Cabinet Office has published a Business Plan covering the period 2011-15 which sets out its commitments.
	Progress against the Business Plan is set out in the Structural Reform Plan monthly updates, published on the No. 10 website, and the forthcoming Quarterly Data Summary to be published on the Cabinet Office website.

Government Departments: Business

David Evennett: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what steps he is taking to ensure that businesses undertaking work for Government Departments and agencies are paid promptly.

Francis Maude: The Government are determined to do everything they can to help business manage cash flow and to transform the culture of late payment. We have a target for central Government Departments to pay 80% of valid invoices within five working days of receipt.
	Since 25 March 2010, it has been mandatory for all government departments, agencies, non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) (and the bodies over which they have direct control) to include a contract condition requiring their contractors to pay their sub-contractors within 30 days.

IPSA

John Stanley: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office pursuant to the answer of 29 November 2010, Official Report, column 560W, on IPSA: Parliamentary Commission for Administration, whether it is the Government's policy to bring the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority within the statutory remit of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration.

Francis Maude: The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority does not fall within the remit of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration (the parliamentary ombudsman) and the Government have no plans to bring the IPSA within the ambit of the Parliamentary Commissioner Act 1967.

Third Sector

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what (a) market and (b) opinion research his Department has (i) conducted and (ii) commissioned on public expectations of Government in respect of provision of public services in the context of the Big Society.

Nick Hurd: I will reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

Third Sector

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what assessment he has made of public attitudes towards the balance between fairness and diversity in the provision of public services.

Francis Maude: The Cabinet Office has made no such assessment.

Well-being

Jo Swinson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office 
	(1)  what assessment he has made of the implications for Government policy of the Government Office for Science's Foresight report on Mental Capital and Wellbeing; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what assessment he has made of the recommendations relating to his Department of the report by the Government Office for Science on Mental Capital and Wellbeing; if he will ensure that his Department's policy development process takes account of psychological research into subjective well-being; and if he will make a statement.

Francis Maude: Health and well-being is one of the Cabinet Secretary's corporate priorities. The Cabinet Office is working with DWP and other Government Departments to achieve a reduction in sickness absence levels.

HOME DEPARTMENT

Interview Transcribers

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many interview transcribers have been made redundant by West Midlands Police since May 2010; and if she will make a statement.

Nick Herbert: The requested information is not collected centrally.

Alcoholic Drinks: Prices

Graham Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the answer of 7 June 2011, Official Report, column 235W, if she will list the provisions of (a) EU and (b) domestic legislation with which any local minimum unit pricing policy would need to be compliant.

James Brokenshire: holding answer 14 June 2011
	Without knowing the specific details of a proposed local minimum unit pricing policy, it is not possible to provide an exhaustive list of provisions with which such a policy should comply. However, local authorities are likely to want to ensure that they have complied with the legal requirements of the Licensing Act 2003 and the Local Government Act 1972. They would also want to consider whether their policy could be seen as disproportionate in light of the effect of Article 34 of the Treaty of the Functioning of the European Union.
	We would recommend that any local authority considering the implementation of a local minimum unit pricing policy seeks comprehensive legal advice before putting such a policy in place.

Animal Experiments: Primates

Henry Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if she will maintain the commitment not to permit the use of great apes in scientific procedures.

James Brokenshire: The UK currently operates a policy ban on the use of great apes in scientific research covered by the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. I cannot currently envisage any circumstances in a particular case which would justify a change to this approach.

Arts: Immigration Control

Michael McCann: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the maximum permitted length of stay under each Tier Five Government-authorised exchange scheme is.

Damian Green: The maximum permitted period of stay under the Tier 5 Government-authorised exchange category is 24 months.

Children: Protection

Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment she has made of the effects on the effectiveness of child protection of reductions to police budgets.

James Brokenshire: holding answer 15 June 2011
	Child protection is an absolute priority for the Government and we are committed to ensuring we have the best possible arrangements in place to protect children and families from harm.
	The police play an important part in local child safeguarding arrangements and have a statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children in England and to investigate child abuse and other crimes committed against children.
	The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) have recently carried out a scoping review of child protection resources and found no evidence to suggest that any force has made or intends to make reductions to its public protection units, in particular its child protection teams. ACPO have also identified good work that is being driven locally to enhance safeguarding through stronger partnership working, and are working with forces to make these good practice models available nationally.

Cycling: Theft

Simon Hughes: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many cycle thefts were reported in (a) England and Wales and (b) London in the most recent period for which figures are available.

Nick Herbert: There were 106,693 theft of pedal cycle offences recorded by the police in England and Wales in 2010. Of these, 22,381 offences were recorded in London.

Departmental Employment

Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  how many managers at grade C or above have left the employment of her Department in the last two financial years; and how many of those managers have subsequently been employed by Sodexo;
	(2)  how many managers at grade C or above have left the employment of her Department in the last two financial years; and how many of those managers have subsequently been employed by Mitie;
	(3)  how many managers at grade C or above have left the employment of her Department in the last two financial years; and how many of those managers have subsequently been employed by Reliance.

Damian Green: In the financial year 2009-10, 1,144 managers at grade C or above left the Department.
	In the financial year 2010-11, 1,404 managers at grade C or above left the Department.
	(Figures are provided as per Office for National Statistics headcount definition—paid civil servants only.)
	The Department fully complies with the rules and guidance set out by the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments regarding employment of ex-civil servants, see:
	http://acoba.independent.gov.uk/rules_and_guidance_civil_ servants.aspx.
	We are unable to provide data on the number of managers who have subsequently been employed by (a) Sodexo, (b) Mitie and (c) Reliance. Individuals at director general and permanent secretary level who are given permission under the Rules and Guidance on Business Appointments must inform the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments if they take up employment following approval. Individuals below this level are not required to notify the Department that they have taken up employment following approval.

Departmental Procurement

Julian Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress her Department has made in encouraging small businesses to bid for Government contracts.

Damian Green: Recognising the important contribution small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) make to the economy, the Home Department has fully published its plans to meet the Government's commitment to allow SMEs to compete more fairly for governmental contracts on its commercial website:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/about-us/procurement/
	The Department has helped small businesses reduce the barriers they face in bidding for government contracts by simplifying processes and linking the Home Office website to the Supply2.gov.uk portal where we advertise lower value contract opportunities.
	The website has also been linked to provide access to opportunities through the Contracts Finder website and Tenders Electronic Daily. In addition, the Department has provided clear links and contact points for additional information and queries. This information enables SMEs to access relevant procurement data, details of how they can potentially work with the Department (either directly, through the supply chain or as part of a consortium) and details of what the Department buys.
	The Department is continuing with further work to evaluate its procurement activity to establish areas of goods and services which can be delivered by SMEs. This evaluation will inform our procurement approach and ensure we maximise opportunities for such enterprises.

Drugs: Young People

Laura Sandys: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps her Department is taking to address drug misuse amongst the migrant youth population.

James Brokenshire: Drugs misuse among young people, including the migrant youth population, is being addressed through the Drug Strategy 2010.
	There are three strands to the Strategy: reducing demand; restricting supply; and building recovery in communities. The reducing demand theme outlines our approach to preventing young people taking drugs in the first place and, for those already misusing drugs, intervening early and providing support to help them stop their drugs use. By working with the Department for Education and others we are ensuring young people have access to information on drugs—and the effects and harms of drugs—via schools through the internal review of Personal, Social, Health and Economic education and review of the National Curriculum and the FRANK drugs information and support service.
	The Strategy recognises that particular groups of young people may be at increased risk of drug misuse. Approaches to identifying the needs of young people and the appropriate support are best made at the local level. For those young people who already misuse drugs we are ensuring they have rapid access to specialist support through local substance misuse and youth offending services.
	To facilitate this we are encouraging local services to work together by simplifying the funding mechanisms that are used to deliver tailored interventions in local areas for young people and families.
	The focus of the Strategy as far as young people are concerned is preventing the escalation of drug misuse by young people to stop them becoming drug dependent adults.

Entry Clearances: Pakistan

Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate she has made of the number of Pakistani nationals who travelled to the UK in each of the last three years.

Damian Green: The available statistics relate to the number of journeys made by Pakistani nationals given leave to enter the UK, for the period 2007 to 2009. Passengers who make more than one journey in a calendar year are counted on each occasion. The statistics are given in the following table:
	
		
			 Pakistani nationals  (1)   given leave to enter the United Kingdom, 2007  to 2009 
			  Number of journeys 
			 2007 255,000 
			 2008 243.000 
			 2009(2) 214,000 
			 (1) Figures rounded to three significant figures. (2) Provisional figures. Source: Migration Statistics, Home Office Statistics. 
		
	
	Statistics on passengers given leave to enter the United Kingdom by nationality and purpose of journey are published annually in the Home Office Statistical Bulletin, “Control of Immigration: Statistics United Kingdom”. These publications are available from the Library of the House and from the Home Office Science website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/science-research/research-statistics/migration/migration-statistics1

Human Trafficking

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance her Department has provided to non-governmental organisations on its consultation on the human trafficking strategy.

Damian Green: The Government held a series of workshops with non-governmental organisations to inform the development of the human trafficking strategy.

Human Trafficking

Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people have been employed by the UK Human Trafficking Centre in each of the last five years.

Damian Green: The UK Human Trafficking Centre (UKHTC) was created in 2008 and was hosted by South Yorkshire police until it became part of the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) on 1 April 2010.
	As at 31 March 2011 the number of people employed to work in the UKHTC in each year that it has been in operation is as follows:
	
		
			 Financial year Number of employees as at 31 March of each year 
			 2008-09 (1)25 
			 2009-10 (1)25 
			 2010-11 (2)37 
			 (1 )These figures show the number of people employed by South Yorkshire police to work in the UKHTC and do not include secondees from SOCA, UKBA or other agencies. The figures also exclude contractors who may have been employed by South Yorkshire police to work for UKHTC on a temporary basis. (2 )35 of the 37 employees were SOCA staff and two were UKBA staff on attachment. These figures do not include additional resources which UKHTC, as a part of SOCA, can draw on when required. The UKHTC is further supported by partners in the public, private and charity sectors.

Immigration: Crime

Steve Brine: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many emails sent to the UK Border Agency public email address UKBApublications@ukba. gsi.gov.uk, to report suspected immigration crime were received successfully in the latest period for which figures are available.

Damian Green: The information requested is as follows:
	
		
			 Allegation e-mails received in the public inquiries mailbox 
			 Period Number 
			 Week beginning 14 June 2010-week ending 4 July 2010 1,948 
			 Week beginning 5 July-week ending 1 August 2010 2,958 
			 Week beginning 2 August-week ending 5 September 2010 3,494 
			 Week beginning 6 September-week ending 3 October 2010 2,760 
			 Week beginning 4 October-week ending 31 October 2010 2,609 
			 Week beginning 1 November-week ending 5 December 2010 3,367 
			 Week beginning 6 December2010-week ending 2 January 2011 2,890 
			 Week beginning 3 January-week ending 30 January 2011 2,343 
			 Week beginning 31 January-week ending 27 February 2011 2,800 
			 Week beginning 28 February-week ending 27 March 2011 2,647 
			 Week beginning 28 March-week ending 1 May 2011 2,829 
			 Week beginning 2 May 2011-week ending 29 May 2011 2,658 
			 Week beginning 30 May-week ending 13 June 2011 1,065 
			 Total 34,368

Knives

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent assessment she has made of the contribution of the knife amnesty boxes to combating knife crime.

Nick Herbert: The Home Office has not undertaken a recent assessment of knife amnesty boxes.
	The Government believe that individual police forces, local authorities and other partners are best placed to decide when to run an amnesty and assess the impact an amnesty could have in their locality.
	The last national knife amnesty was held in England and Wales between 24 May and 30 June 2006; in Scotland from 25 May 2006 for one month; and, in Northern Ireland from 25 May 2006 for three weeks.
	According to figures supplied by the police, this national amnesty resulted in over 89,000 items being handed in.

National Crime Agency: Finance

Nicholas Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether she plans to allocate funding to the National Crime Agency to compensate victims of crimes.

James Brokenshire: Policy responsibility for the compensation of victims of crime falls under the remit of the Ministry of Justice. There are no plans to allocate funding to victims of crime via the National Crime Agency.

Police

Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate she has made of the cost to the public purse of each of the four police and crime commissioners in Wales during their four-year mandate.

Nick Herbert: The running costs of Police and Crime Commissioners should be no more than police authorities currently. The only additional cost to the taxpayer under the new system will be that of elections. Democratic accountability will create a sharp incentive on Police and Crime Commissioners to cut bureaucracy, increase efficiency and drive down costs, ensuring that forces focus on the policing the public want.
	As stated in the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill's impact assessment, elections for Police and Crime Commissioners in England and Wales will cost £50 million in 2012. These estimates are based on the costs of other national elections and costings are, therefore, not available for each force area. However, the money was allocated separately by the Treasury as part of the comprehensive spending review; no money for elections will come out of police force budgets.

Police

Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department in which police authority area each local authority in England and Wales, excluding London, is situated.

Nick Herbert: The information requested is shown in the tables placed in the House Library.

Police: Accountability

David Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many (a) letters and (b) emails she has received supporting her proposals for elected police commissioners.

Nick Herbert: My Department is in regular receipt of many letters and e-mails on the Government’s proposals for strengthening police accountability. An analysis of this kind could be made only at disproportionate cost.

Police: Demonstrations

Stephen Mosley: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance her Department provides to police authorities on the levels of charges for the costs of policing payable by the organisers of (a) marches, (b) parades and (c) protests.

Nick Herbert: The police do not levy a charge for the policing of marches or protests. Consequently no guidance is produced on this issue. In respect of ‘parades’ or other events, the police have the power to charge for policing at any commercial event under section 25 of the Police Act 1996. No specific guidance has been produced by the Home Office in respect of charging for these events.

Police: Housing

Aidan Burley: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many properties were provided by territorial police forces for the use of police officers and staff in (a) the London Borough of Westminster, (b) Greater London and (c) England and Wales in each of the last five years; and what the cost to the public purse was of such provision in each year.

Nick Herbert: The Home Office does not hold this information centrally. The majority of police funding is not ring-fenced and decisions on how it is spent are for the chief constable and police authority to take locally.

Police: Pay

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what impact assessment has been undertaken on the effects of proposals to suspend incremental increases in police pay.

Nick Herbert: holding answer 9 June 2011
	The proposed suspension of incremental pay increases for police officers and staff to which my hon. Friend refers is one of the recommendations in the first report published by Tom Winsor from his independent review of police remuneration and conditions of service. The full report is available at:
	http://review.police.uk
	and at the Vote Office.

Quilliam: Finance

Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what funding from the public purse was provided to the Quilliam Foundation in (a) 2008-09, (b) 2009-10, (c) 2010-11 and (d) 2011-12.

James Brokenshire: Funding from the Home Office was provided to Quilliam as follows:
	(a) £664,908.00
	(b) £387,382.10
	(c) £158,906.66
	(d) (to date) £26,993.34
	The above figures reflect funding provided to Quilliam solely by the Home Office. Other departments may also have provided funding to Quilliam, but this is not included in the figures provided here.

Repatriation: Kosovo

Denis MacShane: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Kosovan asylum seekers were repatriated in each year since 2000.

Damian Green: The following table shows the number of Kosovan asylum seekers, including dependants, who were removed or departed voluntarily from the UK to the recorded destination of Kosovo in each year from 2004 to 2010.
	
		
			 Removals and voluntary departures  (1,2,3)   of asylum cases, nationals of Kosovo to Kosovo, 2004 to 2010 
			  Number of departures  (4,5) 
			 2004(6) 970 
			 2005(6) 755 
			 2006(6) 485 
			 2007(7) 320 
			 2008(7) 140 
			 2009(7,8) 110 
			 2010(7,8) 40 
			 (1 )Figures are rounded to the nearest 5.  (2) Includes enforced removals, persons departing voluntarily after notifying the UK Border Agency of their intention to leave prior to their departure, persons leaving under assisted voluntary return programmes and since January 2005 persons who it has been established left the UK without informing the immigration authorities.  (3 )Figures include dependants.  (4 )Removals and voluntary departures recorded on the system as at the dates on which the data extracts were taken.  (5 )Destination as recorded on source database.  (6) Management information; figures are approximate.  (7) National Statistics.  (8) Provisional figures. 
		
	
	Destination data have only been recorded since 2004; therefore requested data for each year between 2000 and 2003 are not available.
	Data for the years 2004 to 2006 are based on management information and are approximate. This is due to data quality issues with the recording of Kosovan cases on the UK Border Agency Case Information Database (CID) prior to the state union of Serbia and Montenegro coming to an end in June 2006. Data from 2007 onwards are National Statistics.
	The Home Office publishes statistics on the number of persons removed or departed voluntarily from the UK on a quarterly and annual basis, which are available from the Library of the House and from the Home Office's Science, Research and Statistics web pages at:
	http://homeoffice.gov.uk/science-research/research-statistics/migration/migration-statisticsl/

Telephone Tapping: Newspaper Press

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if she will publish the information she holds on the terms of reference for the Operation Weeting inquiry into hacking being undertaken by the Metropolitan Police.

Nick Herbert: holding answer 14 June 2011
	The terms of reference and the conduct of Operation Weeting are operational matters for the Metropolitan Police Service and the Home Office does not hold the information requested.

Theft

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes have been reported involving pickpockets in each of the last three years.

Nick Herbert: Crime statistics supplied to the Home Office from police forces are based on counts of notifiable offences. Thefts involving pick-pocketing will be included within the offence category of ‘theft from the person’ but this group will also include other thefts, such as theft of a purse from a shopping trolley.
	Published figures for England and Wales show that there were 101,650 recorded offences of theft from the person in 2007-08, 89,662 offences in 2008-09 and 92,271 offences in 2009-10.

Visas: Kosovo

Denis MacShane: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many UK visas have been granted to citizens of Kosovo in each of the last five years.

Damian Green: The number of visas issued to Kosovo nationals for the years 2006 to 2010 is:
	
		
			  Number 
			 2006 0 
			 2007 44 
			 2008 182 
			 2009 2,185 
			 2010 3,268 
		
	
	
		
			 Total 5,679 
		
	
	The data are based on management information. They are provisional and subject to change

West Midlands Police

Tom Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  what the rate of employee attrition for (a) civilian staff and (b) warranted officers in West Midlands Police was in each of the last five years;
	(2)  how many (a) civilian staff and (b) warranted officers West Midlands Police employed in each financial year since 2002-03.

Nick Herbert: holding answer 10 June 2011
	The available figures for West Midlands police force show the rate of employee attrition for civilian staff and warranted officers from 2005-06 to 2009-10 and are shown on table A. For the purposes of this answer, we have taken employee attrition to mean the total number of leavers during the financial year as a percentage of total number of staff in post at the end of the financial year. Table B shows the number of civilian and warranted officers employed in West Midlands police force from 2002-03 to 2009-10.
	
		
			 Table A: Rate of employee attrition (FTE)  (1)   for civilian staff and warranted officers, West Midlands police force from 2005-06 to 2009-10 
			  Leavers  (2) Strength  (3) Employee Attrition  (4) 
			  Civilian Staff  (5) Warranted Officers  (6) Civilian Staff  (5) Warranted Officers  (6) Civilian Staff  (5)   (percentage) Warranted Officers  (6)   (percentage  ) 
			 2005-06 259 488 3,300 8,192 8 6 
			 2006-07 270 475 3,343 8,245 8 6 
			 2007-08 263 417 3,436 8,412 8 5 
			 2008-09 238 459 3,570 8,637 7 5 
			 2009-10 221 425 3,667 8,626 6 5 
			 (1) This table contains full-time equivalent figures that have been rounded to the nearest whole number. (2) Leavers during the financial year. (3) Strength at the end of financial year. (4) Employee attrition—leavers during the financial year as a percentage of staff in post at the end of the financial year. (5) Civilian staff are police staff. (6) Warranted officers are police officers. 
		
	
	
		
			 Table B: Number of civilian staff and warranted officers employed (FTE)  (1)   in West Midlands police force from 2002-03 to 2009-10  (2) 
			  Civilian Staff  (2) Warranted Officers  (4) 
			 2002-03 3,012 7,832 
			 2003-04 3,100 8,008 
			 2004-05 3,143 8,154 
			 2005-06 3,300 8,192 
			 2006-07 3,343 8,245 
			 2007-08 3,436 8,412 
			 2008-09 3,570 8,637 
			 2009-10 3,667 8,626 
			 (1) This table contains full-time equivalent figures that have been rounded to the nearest whole number. (2) Strength at the end of the reporting period, as at 31 March. (3) Civilian staff are police staff. (4) Warranted officers are police officers.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Afghanistan: Corruption

Bob Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment he has made of progress in reducing the level of corruption in Afghanistan since January 2011.

Andrew Mitchell: Corruption in Afghanistan is endemic. The UK Government, including the Department for International Development (DFID), are working closely with the Government of Afghanistan to tackle corruption, enforce the law and improve government accountability at all levels. Progress to date has been mixed. However, since January 2011 a significant achievement has been the establishment of an independent anti-corruption Monitoring and Evaluation Committee (MEC).
	The MEC, comprised of Afghans and international experts will assess progress with tackling corruption against agreed benchmarks and the effectiveness of international assistance in support of these efforts. The UK Government played a key role in lobbying for the creation of the MEC and are supporting its development.

Developing Countries: Climate Change

Mark Lazarowicz: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development by what date he plans to commit the amounts pledged by his Department as fast start climate finance for developing countries.

Stephen O'Brien: The UK's International Climate Fund (ICF) commitment, announced in the 2010 spending review, fully funds the UK's £1.5 billion Fast Start pledge, of which over one-third has already been committed in 2010. Further activities are under way or in design to ensure that developing countries can achieve real, tangible progress towards low carbon, climate resilient development and reduce deforestation.

Developing Countries: Family Planning

Richard Ottaway: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will make it his policy to press his counterparts at the Rio Earth Summit preparatory meetings to (a) invest in and (b) prioritise family planning services for the purposes of population stabilisation, poverty eradication and sustainable development.

Andrew Mitchell: The UK Government recognise the links between population, environmental degradation and stresses on natural resources. DFID will continue to work closely with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), which leads the British Government’s preparations for Rio2012, to ensure that critical factors in encouraging more sustainable trajectories of growth are addressed.
	Meeting the need for family planning, together with wider investment in girls’ education and empowerment, will help reduce unwanted fertility and reduce population growth. DFID is committed to enabling at least 10 million more women in developing countries to use modern methods of family planning by 2015 and, in doing so, prevent more than 5 million unintended pregnancies.

Developing Countries: Law and Order

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much his Department has spent on provision of (a) law and order services, (b) police services, (c) prison services including the building of prisons and (d) the criminal justice systems in each of the last five years; and what the (i) recipient country and (ii) amount provided was in each case.

Alan Duncan: The Department for International Development (DFID) does not track spend against the specific categories mentioned in the question as there is some overlap between them. I have placed two tables in the Library of the House providing data by country and year across the two categories currently used by DFID to track spending on Legal and Judicial Development and Security Sector Reform.
	Data have been included where there has been expenditure greater than £100,000 in any one of the last five years.
	This covers spend by DFID and not total Government spend. Security and Justice is a priority area for the Conflict Pool. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Ministry of Defence disburse Conflict Pool resources in this area. Details of official development assistant disbursed through other Government Departments can be found at:
	http://www.dfid.gov.uk/About-DFID/Finance-and-performance/Aid-Statistics/Statistic-on-International-Development-2010/
	Further detail on DFID's specific projects is available at:
	http://www.dfid.gov.uk/

Developing Countries: Poverty

Richard Ottaway: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will (a) attend the Rio Earth Summit preparatory meetings and (b) press his counterparts at such meetings to recommit to the Programme of Action on eradicating poverty and ensuring sustainable development agreed at the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development.

Andrew Mitchell: Decisions regarding ministerial attendance at Rio2012 will be taken in due course. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has overall responsibility for coordinating the British Government's preparations for Rio2012, The Secretary of State for DEFRA will attend meetings in preparation for Rio2012.
	The UK supports the Programme of Action from the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) which agreed that population and development are inextricably linked, and that empowering women, advancing gender equality, eliminating violence against women and ensuring women’s ability to control their own fertility were essential elements of development policies. We continue to seek appropriate opportunities to advance the ICPD agenda.

BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS

Copyright: Music

Damian Hinds: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what recent representations he has received on the level of licences and fees charged by the Performing Rights Society for the use of radios in the workplace.

Edward Davey: The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, has not received any such representations recently. The Under-Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, my noble Friend Baroness Wilcox, has dealt with a number of letters on the subject of music licensing from Members of Parliament resulting from correspondence with their constituents. Some of these have been about the level of the fees for music licences from collecting societies including PRS for Music.

Departmental Charitable Donations

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he is taking to encourage charitable giving by Ministers in his Department.

Edward Davey: All Government Ministers have pledged to undertake a ‘one day challenge’ with a charity or community group of their choice. This is a clear and public commitment by Ministers to give their time to help others. The pledge aims to inspire others to consider how they might be able to support their communities to benefit themselves, as well as their chosen organisations.

Departmental Responsibilities

Nick Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what strategic framework his Department has developed for the delivery of its core functions during the comprehensive spending review period.

Edward Davey: BIS has published a business plan for 2011-15. This document provides details of how the Department will be delivering on the commitments in the coalition agreement and in the plan for growth. The actions detailed in the business plan will be refreshed annually.
	Progress against delivery of these actions is publicly reported every month and a quarterly data summary, due for publication in July, provides an overview of the Department's performance overall.
	Delivery of core functions forms part of the Department's ongoing performance and risk monitoring process. Performance against all objectives is regularly reviewed and risks escalated for the consideration of the Department's Executive Board in accordance with the Corporate Governance Code.

Export Credit Guarantees: Zimbabwe

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills which projects in Zimbabwe supported by the Export Credits Guarantee Department (ECGD) have contributed to the debt owed by Zimbabwe to the ECGD.

Edward Davey: Exports supported by the Export Credits Guarantee Department (ECGD) where debts are outstanding to ECGD are shown as follows.
	Project Description
	1,500 vehicles and spare parts
	300 vehicle kits and spare parts
	Construction and commission of a new international airport terminal
	Power station refurbishment—Bulawayo
	Construction of a pipeline
	Design, supply and delivery of transformers and reactors
	Gas coke oven
	Iron ore crushing equipment
	Iron ore sintering plant
	Iron ore sintering plant—supplemental
	Mobile phone system
	Power station refurbishment—Harare and Munyah
	Radar equipment, spare parts and servicing
	Supply of coke oven plant and machinery
	Timber processing plant
	Transceiver ancillary equipment

Foreign Investment in UK

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills which 10 countries provide the highest level of inward investment in each of the sectors mentioned in the Plan for Growth; and what proportion of such investment by each such country has been in research and development in each of the last 10 years.

David Willetts: It is not possible to provide information of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) funded by country using the Plan for Growth sectors. This is because the Office for National Statistics' (ONS) figures for FDI by sector and country do not use the same sector definitions as the Plan for Growth and much of the sector/country data it does seek to show are not publicly available due to restrictions on data disclosure.
	It is also not possible to estimate what proportion of investment by each such country has been in UK research and development. While the ONS collect data on FDI flows to the UK by country, the ONS do not publish a disaggregation by source country of inward investment made specifically into research and development.

Higher Education: Admissions

James Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what (a) representations and (b) research he has received on the relative performance of UK-domiciled full-time first degree qualifiers at (i) Oxford and (ii) Cambridge Universities who previously attended independent schools.

David Willetts: I have received a small number of representations about the relative performance of pupils from independent schools at Oxford and Cambridge.
	I have recently received two new pieces of research on the topic, both undertaken by admissions staff and tutors at the university of Cambridge:
	“The Predictive Effectiveness of Metrics in Admission to Cambridge University”
	“School Background is not a factor in Cambridge degree success”
	Both reports are available on the Cambridge Admissions website at
	http://www.cam.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/research/
	These reports add to recent studies which focus on the performance of pupils at Oxford and Cambridge:
	“Schooling effects on degree performance: a comparison of the predictive validity of aptitude testing and secondary school grades at Oxford University”, Ogg, Zimdars and Heath, British Educational Research Journal, 2009
	“The Effect of School Background on Value-Added at Oxbridge”, McCrum, Brundin and Halsey, Oxford Magazine, 2006
	On 8 June the Cabinet Office hosted a seminar, attended by officials from my Department, which brought together key researchers—including some of the authors of the above studies—admissions tutors and other stakeholders to discuss the findings of these and other research studies.

Higher Education: Admissions

James Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer of 24 May 2011, Official Report, columns 645-46W, on higher education: admissions, 
	(1)  how many (a) UK domiciled and (b) non-UK domiciled full-time first degree qualifiers achieved each degree classification at a UK higher education institution in the academic year 2009-10;
	(2)  how many UK-domiciled full-time first degree qualifiers at UK higher education institutions who previously attended a state school achieved each degree classification in the academic year 2009-10.

David Willetts: The latest available information from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) is shown in the table. Figures for the 2010/11 academic year will be available in January 2012.
	
		
			 Full-time first degree qualifiers by domicile, degree classification and previous school type, UK higher education institutions, academic year 2009/10 
			 Degree classification UK domiciled  (1) of which: previously attended state school Non-UK domiciled 
			 First class 36,300 16,625 6,445 
		
	
	
		
			 Upper second 127,090 59,120 18,445 
			 Lower second 70,790 28,730 15,535 
			 Third class / Pass 14,160 4,785 5,005 
			 Total classified 248,340 109,260 45,435 
			 (1 )The figure for all UK domiciled qualifiers will include those whose previous school type was unknown. In 2009/10, 13% of the data were missing/unknown.  Notes:  Figures are based on a HESA qualifications obtained population and have been rounded to the nearest five. Certain qualifications gained at first degree level are not subject to classification of the award, notably medical and general degrees. These together with ordinary degrees and aegrotat qualifications will be excluded from this analysis.  Source:  Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA).

Higher Education: Admissions

James Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer of 24 May 2011, Official Report, columns 645-46W, on higher education: admissions, how many UK-domiciled first degree qualifiers at (a) Oxford University, (b) Cambridge University and (c) Russell Group universities who previously attended (i) state schools and (ii) independent schools achieved each degree classification in the academic year 2009-10.

David Willetts: The latest available information from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) is shown in the table.
	
		
			 UK domiciled first degree qualifiers  (1)   by institution and previous school type  (2)  . UK higher education institutions. Academic year 2009/10 
			  Russell Group Of which: Oxford Of which: Cambridge 
			 Degree classification State Independent State Independent State Independent 
			 First class 6,180 2,340 380 350 255 260 
			 Upper second 18,350 8,295 835 830 670 660 
			 Lower second 5,545 2,105 95 65 95 85 
			 Third class/pass 805 310 10 10 25 15 
			 Total classified 30,880 13,045 1,320 1,260 1,045 1,015 
			 (1 )Covers qualifiers from both full-time and part-time first degree courses. (2) As well as state and independent schools, other categories included in previous school type are FE institution, HE institution and unknown/missing. These categories are excluded from the figures in the table. Note: Figures are based on a HESA qualifications obtained population and have been rounded to the nearest five. Certain qualifications gained at first degree level are not subject to classification of the award, notably medical and general degrees. These together with ordinary degrees and aegrotat qualifications will be excluded from this analysis. Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA).

Higher Education: Disadvantaged

Yasmin Qureshi: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has made of the number of students from disadvantaged backgrounds who will go to university in (a) 2011-12 and (b) 2012-13.

David Willetts: The Government do not make estimates of the number of people who will attend university from different backgrounds. It is expected that the total number of places in 2011/12 will be broadly similar to 2010/11. The Government are committed to access to higher education being based on talent and potential irrespective of background, and the coalition agreement recognises the need to attract a higher proportion of students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Higher Education: North West England

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many people normally resident in Warrington North constituency applied to attend higher education institutions in the academic year (a) 2009-10 and (b) 2010-11; and how many such applications were successful in each ward.

David Willetts: The information is in the table and has been provided by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
	Applicants who were not accepted for entry will include: individuals who did not receive any offer; individuals who received an offer (conditional or unconditional) but decided not to go to university; individuals who received a conditional offer and failed to meet the specific conditions (e.g. they did not achieve certain grades); and individuals who decided to withdraw from the UCAS system.
	
		
			 Applicants and accepted applicants to full-time undergraduate courses at UK institutions from Warrington North constituency by electoral ward 2009/10 and 2010/11 
			  2009 2010 
			 Ward Applicants Accepted applicants Applicants Accepted applicants 
			 Birchwood 86 75 108 88 
			 Burtonwood and Winwick 61 52 43 30 
			 Culcheth, Glazebury and Croft 102 83 137 112 
			 Fairfield and Howley 67 47 83 57 
		
	
	
		
			 Orford 55 45 74 55 
			 Poplars and Hulme 68 60 84 56 
			 Poulton North 69 54 80 59 
			 Poulton South 61 49 61 44 
			 Rixton and Woolston 94 77 73 61 
			 Westbrook 95 83 70 57 
			 Grand total 758 625 813 619 
			 Notes: 1. Figures cover applications to higher education courses at higher education institutions (HEIs) and further education colleges (FECs).  2. Figures do not include applicants to higher education who do not apply through UCAS (i.e. people who apply directly to institutions). Source:  UCAS

Higher Education: Research

Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills if he will take steps to increase financial support for early career and postdoctoral researchers in universities.

David Willetts: holding answer 15 June 2011
	The UK’s research base is a vital national asset and critical to long-term economic growth. Despite enormous pressure on public spending, the funding for science and research programmes has been protected in cash terms at £4.6 billion for each year of the spending review within a ring-fence. Maintaining a substantial flow of new researchers was indentified as a priority in the allocations to the research councils, Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) and the national academies.
	The research councils UK strategic vision includes the promotion of high level skills and states that they will consolidate and focus support for people giving greater attention to establishing the careers of the best early career researchers. The financial allocations to the research councils for the comprehensive spending review period 2011 to 2015 will ensure that the research councils maintain significant support for early career and postdoctoral researchers.
	BIS funds a number of early and mid-career fellowship programmes run by the three national academies: these enable the brightest and best academics to work full-time on research and were given priority when negotiating funding allocations. BIS funding for these programmes increases in each year of the current spending review period.
	The main funders of research in the UK are all signatories to The Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers which has the overall aim of increasing the attractiveness and sustainability of research careers in the UK and improving the quantity, quality and impact of research for the benefit of UK society and the economy.
	A significant number of early career and postdoctoral researchers are, of course, employed directly by individual universities and it is up to them to decide on the levels of financial support and other available assistance provided.

Horticulture: Imports

Thomas Docherty: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills whether he plans to implement a UK trade ban on the import of horticultural products following the recent E. coli outbreak in Germany for the purposes of protecting UK producers from price competition arising from cheap, surplus stock exported from (a) Spain and (b) other EU member states.

James Paice: I have been asked to reply.
	The E. coli outbreak has had a disruptive economic impact on growers and others within the supply chain for fruit and vegetables across the EU, including our domestic industry.
	At retail level, prices for domestically produced salad (lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet peppers and courgettes), have remained relatively stable, although demand continues to decline. As a result more produce is being sent to the wholesale market, which is experiencing consequential price movements. Surplus EU produce has been directed to alternative EU markets, including our own, with similar consequences for prices, although I understand that prices for English produce are faring better than those for imported produce. But the situation continues to develop and the latest indications from our trade organisations are that the market remains depressed, which is not helped by retail demand for salad crops in particular being sensitive to the weather.
	While there has been an impact on our industry it would be against both the single common market organisation and World Trade Organisation rules to implement a trade ban for the purposes of protecting domestic producers from price competition. However, the welcome news that the Russian Federation has lifted its ban on imports of fruit and vegetables from the European Union is an important development, which should start to alleviate the pressure on volumes and prices being experienced on the domestic market.

Overseas Students: English Language

Tony Lloyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what recent representations he has received from English universities about English language testing for overseas students; and what steps he has taken in response to such representations.

David Willetts: holding answer 14 June 2011
	I have received representations from a number of vice-chancellors about the difficulties universities are experiencing with the implementation of the new English language requirements and I am also in close contact with Professor Steve Smith, President of Universities UK. I have discussed the universities' concerns with the Minister for Immigration, my hon. Friend the Member for Ashford (Damian Green) and he has meanwhile met a group of university representatives to clarify the new requirements.

Overseas Students: English Language

Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills if he will put in place transitional arrangements to enable universities to apply the 2010-11 entry criteria for international students to candidates who have already applied for entry for 2011-12 prior to full implementation of the requirement for students to meet level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in all four components; and if he will make a statement.

Damian Green: I have been asked to reply.
	The new, tighter requirements for English language for Tier 4 students are expected to help eliminate abuse of the system by ensuring that only genuine students who are able to complete the course can come to the UK. Universities and other higher education institutions have some flexibility in how best to ensure that their students meet the English language requirements, including a transitional measure for this year only in relation to students enrolling on a pre-sessional course before the main course of study. The UK Border Agency has published further detail and clarification on the new requirements on its website.

Patents: International Co-operation

Adam Afriyie: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills if he will take steps to encourage the European Patent Office to pursue work-sharing with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the Japan Patent Office.

Edward Davey: Following encouragement from the Government through the Intellectual Property Office, the European Patent Office has increasingly engaged in work-sharing initiatives with other Patent Offices, including the Japanese Patent Office, the United States Patent and Trademark Office and other large Patent Offices.
	The UK continues to work closely with the European Patent Office in identifying ways in which work sharing can help reduce duplication of effort by offices, and reduce global patent backlogs.
	The importance of addressing increasing delays in the patent system was underlined by the findings a UK Government-commissioned report published in March 2010. That study found that an additional year's pendency would cost business £7.6 billion and was expected within five years on current trends.

Students: Fees and Charges

David Blunkett: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer of 16 May 2011, Official Report, column 108W, on students: loans, what proportion of students currently taking up places in higher education pay upfront fees.

David Willetts: We estimate that around 14% of English domiciled full-time undergraduate students who studied in the UK and were eligible for full tuition fee support in 2009/10 did not take out fee loans from the Student Loans Company to cover their fees.

Students: Fees and Charges

Yasmin Qureshi: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has made of the average level of fees for part-time courses in (a) 2011-12 and (b) 2012-13.

David Willetts: I refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 8 June 2011, Official Report, column 400W.

Students: Finance

Sheila Gilmore: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what proportion of undergraduate loans were awarded to students whose household income was (a) less than £25,000, (b) between £25,000 and £42,600 and (c) greater than £42,600 where the student lived (i) at home and (ii) away from home in each of the last five years.

David Willetts: The requested information is not available, as many loans are not means tested, and the income details of students applying for non means tested support are not held centrally.
	Tuition fee loans are not means tested. Students can apply for a non-means tested maintenance loan without supplying income details; this is worth up to 72% of the maximum possible amount of maintenance loan. In addition, income details are not collected from continuing students who have indicated that their income has not changed significantly since the previous year.

Students: Finance

Sheila Gilmore: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what the average undergraduate loan was for students who lived (a) at home or (b) away from home in each of the last five years.

David Willetts: The information can be found in the following tables.
	
		
			 Average student loan awarded  (1)   to applicants domiciled in England 
			 Maintenance loan 
			  Average amount awarded (£) 
			 Location 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11  (2) 
			 Living at home 2,820 2,660 2,560 2,590 2,630 
			 Living elsewhere 3,810 3,770 3,790 3,870 3,910 
			 Total 3,600 3,540 3,530 3,600 3,650 
		
	
	
		
			 Tuition fee loan 
			  Average amount awarded (£) 
			 Location 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11  (2) 
			 Living at home 1,980 2,460 2,800 2,960 3,060 
			 Living elsewhere 1,780 2,340 2,780 2,990 3,110 
			 Total 1,820 2,360 2,780 2,980 3,100 
			 (1) The figures above show awards of student support. Some awards do not lead to payment because the applicant does not secure a place or does not attend. Figures on loans paid cannot be broken down by living at home or elsewhere, therefore total figures above are slightly different to published figures on loans paid. Published figures on the awards situation two months into the academic year are different to those above which show the final awards position, except for 2010/11. (2) 2010/11 data are provisional. Source: Student Loans Company

Students: Finance

Teresa Pearce: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills with reference to his Department's publication Thinking of Going to University in 2012, what assessment he has made of the potential effect on students from low-income households of the planned rate of interest applied to student loans; and whether he plans to carry out an equality impact assessment.

David Willetts: holding answer 10 June 2011
	Generally, no undergraduate student studying for their first, full-time qualification will have to contribute to their higher education until they are in a job, and earning over £21,000. As now, the repayment will be 9% of income above the threshold. The repayment period will be a maximum of 30 years. Interest will be set at RPI (retail prices index) + 3% while in study, and once the borrower is liable to repay, interest will vary according to income. If earning £21,000 or less, interest will be set at RPI, and gradually it will increase up to a rate of RPI + 3% for those earning £41,000 or more.
	This will mean that those who choose modestly paid or unpaid work—which may include time spent bringing up a family—will not be asked to make a contribution and will only be charged the lowest rate of interest. And where someone is contributing and ceases work or begins to earn under the threshold, contributions will cease and the interest rate will decrease.
	An interim impact assessment was published in November 2010 which looked at the reforms to higher education funding and student finance and this set out that the new system is more progressive to benefit those who earn less in future.